ENG-2004 — Page 514

444 Recreation, Sport and the Arts

The Hong Kong Public Libraries continued to expand the application of information technology to provide more convenient and efficient services to the public. Following the launch of the new smart ID cards in 2003, residents of Hong Kong were allowed the option of using their smart ID cards as library cards to borrow, renew and reserve library materials. There was continual growth in the number of readers opting for this service and the use of smart ID card for library services was on the rise in 2004. A number of computer terminals with Internet access were installed with e-Cert compatible smart card readers for public use to promote wider use of information technology and electronic services. Moreover, the e-mail notification service introduced last year has met with warm response. So far, over 60 000 readers have opted for the new service and over 147 000 e-mail notices were issued in 2004. To meet the increasing demand for information search through the Internet, a pilot scheme is under planning for setting up Internet Express Terminals in eight libraries in 2005. Plans are also at hand to install more self-charging terminals to further promote self-services in the libraries.

The Multimedia Information System (MMIS) developed for the Hong Kong Central Library opened up new realms for information retrieval by offering the public instant access to a wide variety of digital documents as well as audio and video programmes on demand. The MMIS has received a number of awards for its outstanding digital library services. To further improve accessibility, the MMIS has been extended to 25 branch libraries and made available for web browsing on the Internet.

Outreach Programmes and Promotion of Reading and Literary Arts

Outreach programmes form an integral part of library services. Regular programmes like storytelling sessions, book displays and exhibitions, thematic talks and seminars, group visits and community talks were organised throughout the year. In line with the digital library initiative, user education programmes on teaching the public to use the Online Public Access Catalogue, online databases, CD-ROMs, MMIS and the Internet were also held regularly. The libraries organised 16 967 library outreach programmes during the year.

A variety of reading programmes and reading-related activities were organised to promote reading and sustain reading habits and interest. A month-long reading promotion programme was organised during the summer holidays. The event included an exhibition on Classic Children Stories and a series of children's reading programmes such as musical drama, competitions on drawing and dramatisation of stories, film shows, reading talks, storytelling sessions, and interactive workshops.

The Teens' Reading Clubs were extended from the Hong Kong Central Library and the five major libraries to 25 district libraries. A number of activities, including meet-the-author talks, were held to support the reading clubs, and these drew an enthusiastic response. Other major reading activities included the Reading Carnival and the Selection of Good Books Scheme for Secondary School Students presented with the Hong Kong Professional Teacher's Union, and the Ten Recommended Good Books programme held with Radio Television Hong Kong.