1993 — Page 3

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MR. JOSEPH CHAN YUEK-SUT, CHAIRMAN OF THE LIBRARIES SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows (in Cantonese):-Mr. Chairman, this question is in three parts.

Concerning the computerisation of reference materials, the Libraries Select Committee is well aware of the need to provide a computerized reference service to meet the growing demand for reference and information. In fact, in January 1993 Council approved the library computerization project to computerize library operations and provide on-line public access to the entire library collections, including the reference collection. When the computerized system is fully implemented in mid 1995, readers in any Council library will have on-line access to the catalogue of the reference libraries.

Regarding access to reference materials in other local libraries, I understand the Department is exploring areas of co-operation with other libraries for implementation when the Council libraries are fully computerized. Shared use of bibliographic databases, particularly that of the Regional Council Public Libraries, will certainly be an option to improve public access to information and reference materials. The ultimate aim is to co-operate with local and overseas libraries to provide the latest information available on all subjects, at the shortest time possible. The Council's computerised library system should have the capability to communicate, with other library networks and function as an efficient information centre.

With regard to the enhancement of reference services, the Council constantly strives to increase reference materials on a regular basis and upgrade search facilities provided. The reference libraries at the City Hall Public Library, the Kowloon Central Library and the Arts Library in the Cultural Centre in Tsimshatsui have now been equipped with microcomputers for readers to search databases stored on Compact Disc-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM). This CD-ROM covers substantial information on a wide spectrum of subjects. Over 80 CD-ROMs are currently available. Plans are in hand to expand this search facility in mid 1993 to provide reader access to the CD-ROM databases in all district libraries. At the same time, on-line search facility to overseas databases will also be provided to further expand the scope of reference services available. Details will be announced near the time of implementation.

At present, due to space constraint, the Council's special collections and reference materials are scattered in various libraries and stack areas. The Council is studying the feasibility of setting up a 'central library' to further improve reference facilities. A central reference library will be provided in the 'central library' where all special collections and comprehensive reference materials will be housed under one roof for easy access by all.

THE HON. MAN SAI-CHEONG (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask a follow up question on the central library and the plan to expand the reference libraries. Is it going to be the main direction in which we are going to upgrade the library services in Hong Kong?

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MR. JOSEPH CHAN YUEK-SUT (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, yes, the answer is positive. The main direction in which we are going to develope our library service is firstly computerization of library facilities, second, to expand reference library services and third, there is an urgent need to set up a central library. The central library will include a central reference library.

MR. JASON YUEN KING-YUK (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask a supplementary question. I recently heard that the Public Records Office of the Government has many valuable historical records which are of great help to teachers and academic people. I wonder if the library network is connected to the Public Records Office? I also heard that the Public Records Office will shortly move from the Beaconfield House to another place in Tuen Mun. I wonder if consideration be given to taking over all the information kept by the Public Records Office as part of our future Central Library?

CHAIRMAN (in English): It is a little bit out of line with the question. Mr. Joseph CHAN, are you ready to answer?

MR. JOSEPH CHAN YUEK-SUT (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, the Public Records Office has many confidential piece of information. If our library network is going to be connected to the Public Records Office and if the central government is willing to hand it over to us for management, of course, we are willing to receive such information. As for whether such confidential information could be disclosed to the public, I think we can study thoroughly after the central government has decided to hand over the Public Records Office to us for management.

THE HON. MAN SAI-CHEONG (in Cantonese):-At present, many of the reference library services are run on reserved stacks basis i.e. readers have to ask the librarians to search information for them. After we have expanded the central library services, would we consider opening up such research materials or reference materials for readers so that they can easily gain access to such information?

MR. JOSEPH CHAN YUEK-SUT (in Cantonese):-Mr. Chairman, at present there are two parts of reference library services. First, there are some open stacks, i.e. readers can obtain materials as they require. They do not have to consult or ask the librarians. Second, we have reserved stacks, i.e. readers must ask the librarians to obtain the materials they require. For books in reserved stacks, they are usually rare books and they are usually expensive books or materials. If we are to set up a central library with sufficient space and a hugh amount of books or collection of books, perhaps we can consider having open stacks for all reference books. At present, we have reserved stacks for reference materials because of space constraint. Because of space constraints we cannot have open stacks for all types of books.

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