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Chinese books which are to be published in Hong Kong. It is not until one or two weeks after publication that the new books would reach the Book Processing Unit for deciding whether purchase would be made. If all Chinese books published in Hong Kong are to be purchased by blanket order, the main drawback is that we cannot return the books. It is indeed a serious constraint that books found not suitable are not returnable. As to whether blanket order can be extended to English books or other publications, Members' comments are welcome and will be discussed at meetings of the Libraries Select Committee. The constraints of blanket order mentioned just now would be considered by the Book Processing Unit. If Members have other suggestions, they can be raised at the Libraries Select Committee, we will conduct a review on that.
MR. CHAN CHOI-HI (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, are we going to increase the number of suppliers for books, periodicals and audio-visual materials so as to enlarge the collection of such materials in our libraries?
MR. KAM NAI-WAI (in Cantonese):—With regard to whether we are going to increase the numbers of suppliers, as I have mentioned in the reply, we have 5 book suppliers now. In fact, this issue has been discussed by the Urban Council, such as what type of suppliers should we have. We have also discussed in the Finance Select Committee on what is the most effective arrangement and we would keep on reviewing that. Is 5 an appropriate number of suppliers? I think Members can have some discussions on this. The existing system has been working for 30 years and has proved to be cost effective and efficient. As to whether more suppliers are needed, I would take Mr. CHAN's suggestion to the Libraries Select Committee for discussion.
MISS ADA WONG YING-KAY (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, I have a follow-up question. The third paragraph of the reply mentions that the lead time for directories, yearbooks and depository collection is relatively shorter. I would like to ask how short it is. Take the March issue of a monthly magazine as an example, can it be shelved in March?
MR. KAM NAI-WAI (in Cantonese):—I am sorry that I do not have such specific information on hand. In fact Members have asked about details of the implementation work of the Department. I will answer Miss WONG's question after the meeting.
MR. WU CHI-WAT (in Cantonese):—I would like to have some information and may need the help of Mr. KAM. It is mentioned in the reply that different libraries have different expected collections of library materials which are the quantities of library materials that can reasonably be expected to be there. I would like to ask whether the Department has information about the expected
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Page 451 of 485
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162
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Chinese books which are to be published in Hong Kong. It is not until one or two weeks after publication that the new books would reach the Book Processing Unit for deciding whether purchase would be made. If all Chinese books published in Hong Kong are to be purchased by blanket order, the main drawback is that we cannot return the books. It is indeed a serious constraint that books found not suitable are not returnable. As to whether blanket order can be extended to English books or other publications. Members' comments are welcome and will be discussed at meetings of the Libraries Select Committee. The constraints of blanket order mentioned just now would be considered by the Book Processing Unit. If Members have other suggestions, they can be raised at the Libraries Select Committee, we will conduct a review on that.
MR. CHAN CHOI-HI (in Cantonese):-Mr. Chairman, are we going to increase the number of suppliers for books, periodicals and audio-visual materials so as to enlarge the collection of such materials in our libraries?
Mr. Kam Nal-Wai (în Cantonese):—With regard to whether we are going to increase the numbers of suppliers, as I have mentioned in the reply, we have 5 book suppliers now. In fact, this issue has been discussed by the Urban Council, such as what type of suppliers should we have. We have also discussed in the Finance Select Committee on what is the most effective arrangement and we would keep on reviewing that. Is 5 an appropriate number of suppliers? I think Members can have some discussions on this. The existing system has been working for 30 years and has proved to be cost effective and efficient. As to whether more suppliers are needed, I would take Mr. CHAN's suggestion to the Libraries Select Committee for discussion.
MISS ADA WONG YING-KAY (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, I have a follow-up question. The third paragraph of the reply mentions that the lead time for directories, yearbooks and depository collection is relatively shorter. I would like to ask how short it is. Take the March issue of a monthly magazine as an example, can it be shelved in March?
MR. KAM NAI-WAI (in Cantonese):-I am sorry that I do not have such specific information on hand. In fact Members have asked about details of the implementation work of the Department. I will answer Miss WONG's question after the meeting.
Mr. Wu Chi-wat (in Cantonese);—I would like to have some information and may need the help of Mr. KAM. It is mentioned in the reply that different libraries have different expected collections of library materials which are the quantities of library materials that can reasonably be expected to be there. I would like to ask whether the Department has information about the expected
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