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In addition, the libraries also provide students' study room facilities, services for the handicapped, microform services and copying services for the public.
The Urban Council has conducted two benchmark surveys on its services in 1990 and 1992. The surveys have, inter alia, looked into public's reception of the library services. The surveys have revealed that the public is generally satisfied with the library services as the satisfaction rate increased from 77% in 1990 to 84% in 1992. In addition, the Urban Council has commissioned an independent institution to conduct a comprehensive survey on the Urban Council's library services in June 1996 to identify the needs of library users and non-users for the preparation of its Five-Year Plan for further development.
Similar benchmark surveys have been conducted by the Regional Council and the result of the public reception of the libraries services is also positive as the satisfaction rate has risen from 60% in 1991 to 68% in 1993. The Regional Council has also planned to conduct a special public opinion survey on the library services in July this year. This survey will enable the Council to identify the needs of the public at large and to further improve its library services provided to the public.
The Urban Council's central and district libraries at present open 7 days a week for 57 hours, with one late night closing at 9 p.m. on Friday. The Regional Council's central and district libraries open 6 days a week for 56 hours with a closing day on either Monday or Thursday. All Municipal Councils' libraries are open from 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays respectively. The two Municipal Councils are currently reviewing the opening hours of their libraries as well as other library services with a view to better serving the community. The feasibility of extending library opening hours at weekends will be carefully considered.