ENG-2007 — Page 460

388 | Recreation, Sport and the Arts

The public libraries continued to work with the Education Bureau to promote a 'Library Cards for all School Children' scheme designed to encourage primary school students to use the library services. Regular meetings were held with school librarians to foster mutual understanding and to maximise the use of library resources. Course materials from the Open University of Hong Kong are available in 16 public libraries to help people pursue self-learning.

Reference and Information Services

Reference and information services are provided at the Hong Kong Central Library and the five major libraries located at the City Hall, Kowloon, Sha Tin, Tsuen Wan and Tuen Mun Public Libraries. The Central Library also holds the permanent collection of books deposited under the Books Registration Ordinance as well as the depository collections of nine international organisations. Specialised reference services are provided at the Arts Resources Centre, the Hong Kong Literature Room and the Map Library of the Hong Kong Central Library. In addition, the City Hall Public Library offers specialised reference services through its Business and Industry Library, Creativity and Innovation Resource Centre and the Basic Law Library.

Web-based reference services form an integral part of the reference and information services. The Hong Kong Central Library provides an Internet Reference Enquiry Service in collaboration with the Sun Yat-Sen Library of Guangdong Province, the Shenzhen Library, and the Macao Central Library, enabling readers to contact these cooperating libraries directly for information about their respective regions. A wide range of electronic resources, including online database, electronic books, web- resource guide and topical resources guides are posted on the library website for the public to use.

Information Technology Initiatives and Digital Library Initiatives

The Library Automation System used by Hong Kong's public libraries is one of the largest computerised systems of its kind in the world. It provides 24-hour internet library services for online catalogue searching and reservation and renewal of library materials. In 2007, more than 17.36 million online renewal transactions were processed through the Internet and Telephone Renewal Services. The HKPL is planning to upgrade the system in the coming years. It is also considering using Radio Frequency Identification technology to see whether it can deliver library services to the public more effectively. The HKPL continued to expand the application of information technology to provide more convenient and efficient services to the public. The Hong Kong Public Libraries Homepage (www.hkpl.gov.hk) is among the most visited websites in Hong Kong, reflecting the growing popularity of online public library services. The HKPL is planning to provide public wireless internet service in 2008 to further improve access to the Internet.

In 2007, over 536 000 readers applied to use their smart ID cards as library cards. Software was installed in 205 computers in 2007 enabling people to use e-Cert compatible smart card readers, a move to promote wider use of information technology and electronic services by the public.