ENG-2001 — Page 491

RECREATION, SPORT AND THE ARTS

Service to the Disabled

The libraries provide a wide range of services and facilities for people with disabilities. Adequate access for the disabled is provided in all new libraries and most of the existing libraries. A hotline is provided for people with disabilities. Block loans. are arranged for organisations for the disabled. A collection of English fiction in large print is provided for the visually impaired and elderly readers at five major libraries. A reading machine for the blind and a colour image magnifier are available at Hong Kong Central Library. In addition, computer software and equipment such as a Refreshable Braille Display Unit, Computer Magnification Software and Cantonese and English Voice Synthesiser Software - are installed in the branch libraries to aid the visually impaired in using computer facilities.

Library Initiatives

Since May, all major and district libraries in the urban area have been opened on public holidays. From March, a quarterly library newsletter has also been published to publicise library services and facilities, and to enhance communication with library

users.

For the convenience of readers wishing to return books outside library opening hours, 'book drops' were installed in the public libraries. Self-service charging terminals were extended to another 21 libraries for readers to check out library materials by themselves. A book detection system was also extended to public libraries in the New Territories under a phased implementation programme. The first phase covering four public libraries was completed during the year.

More greenery and work of arts were added to improve the aesthetic environment of the libraries. Coffee corners furnished with vending machines and comfortable seating were provided in the Kowloon, Sha Tin, Tsuen Wan and Tuen Mun Public Libraries. Plans are being implemented to renovate and upgrade libraries that are over 10 years old.

More multimedia workstations were provided in the public libraries to facilitate CD-ROM and Internet search.

Exchange Programme

Co-operative links have been established with leading overseas libraries with a view to sharing resources, exchanging experience and developing joint programmes for mutual benefits. During the year, arrangement was made for the National Library of China to supply government publications to the libraries. A joint programme, 'Exhibition on Special Collections of Documents of Modern China', was also organised with the Shanghai Library.

In addition, an exchange programme has been established with the City Library of Cologne, Germany. Under the programme, a librarian from Cologne was attached to the Hong Kong Public Libraries for four weeks in November/December. The programme has strengthened the co-operation between the two library systems.

Books Registration Office

The main functions of the Books Registration Office are to help preserve Hong Kong's literary heritage through the registration of local publications and to monitor the use of the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) system. A Catalogue of

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