METROPOLITAN LIBRARIES SECTION of IFLA (Formerly
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METROPOLITAN LIBRARIES SECTION of IFLA (formerly INTAMEL) — Conference 2004 “Library as a Fusion Space: Possibilities and Opportunities” 26 September – 1 October 2004, Singapore The Changing Times: how the Hong Kong Public Libraries evolved to meet the information needs of the 21st Century Terry Lee Chief Librarian, Hong Kong Public Libraries, Hong Kong Abstract Hong Kong Public Libraries’ aim is “to provide the public with free library and information services in order to meet the community’s growing needs for information, lifelong learning, cultural enrichment and recreation”. There have been many significant developments within Hong Kong Public Libraries since the first library was established in Hong Kong in 1962. The traditional role of public libraries in Hong Kong was to provide the public with books for home-borrowing and non-printed materials. As more public libraries were built in the 1970s and 1980s, more emphasis was placed on reference and information services and the provision of spaces for reading and studying, particularly for students who faced cramped conditions in schools or at homes. Library Extension activities also form an integral part of library services. Whilst many of these traditional functions are still apparent in Hong Kong Public Libraries today, it is notable that many changes have taken place. For instance, Hong Kong Public Libraries have been computerized since 1992 and technology now plays an important role in delivery of services. The library automation system, which currently supports some 1,500 terminals and handles over 60 million transactions a year is one of the world’s largest computerization installations with Chinese and English capability. It provides 24-hour daily Internet library services for readers to search library holdings, renew their borrowed items, reserve library materials and to read e-books. The opening of the Hong Kong Central Library in May 2001 also marks an important milestone in local public library services, particularly with the 1 introduction of the Multimedia Information System (MMIS) which provides access to a wide range of video and audio programmes and digitized materials. In addition, multimedia computers are provided in all libraries for public use and there are also Computer Information Centres (CIC) in every major and district library. Major efforts have also been made by the libraries in support of lifelong learning, promotion of reading and literary arts. Public libraries also serve the individual needs of different age groups. Currently librarians are trained in customer services and how to deal with a wide variety of user needs. This again is a factor that would support the role of a public librarian and the physical building that electronic resources could not entirely replace. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INTRODUCTION Hong Kong Public Libraries’ aim is “to provide the public with free library and information services in order to meet the community’s growing needs for information, lifelong learning, research, cultural enrichment and recreation”. There have been many significant developments within the Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) since the establishment of the first library in Hong Kong in 1962 serving the then population of 3.4 million1. With the projected population growth to 7.5 million2 in 2010, the role of HKPL has branched out from the traditional role of public libraries in providing the public with books for home-reading, to the provision of diversified library and information services to meet the community’s information needs through application of modern age technology. BACKGROUND Before 2000, public libraries were operated by the two Municipal Councils, the Regional Council and the Urban Council, serving the rural and urban areas of Hong Kong respectively. In 2000, the two Councils were dissolved and responsibility of the public libraries was passed to a newly formed government department — the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) — and this paper is focused on the developments of HKPL since the setting up of the LCSD. The merging of the two public library systems has provided a timely opportunity for effective deployment of resources for public library services in Hong Kong. The opening of the Central Library in 2001 had led to the rapid growth in library collection. The library stock has increased by 32.1% from 1 Hong Kong: report for the year 1963. Hong Kong: Government Press, 1964. 2 Projections of population distribution 2003-2012. Hong Kong: Planning Department, 2003. 2 7.84 million items (1.14 items per capita) in 1999 to the current 10.34 million items (1.5 items per capita). In parallel, the number of items on loan has also soared to a record high of 59.59 million items in 2003/04, representing an increase of 83.7% over that of 1999. STRATEGIES IMPLEMENTED To meet the needs of the growing population, strategic plans were implemented for the renovation of the existing libraries, building of more new libraries, further development of library stock, enhancement of existing library services and the use of information technology (IT). Continual efforts have also been made to encourage readers’ use of library services and facilities through creative users’ education and reading programmes. MAJOR PROGRAMMES AND INITIATIVES 1. Renovation and building of new libraries Since January 2000, the LCSD has opened the Hong Kong Central Library, a library of 33,000m2 serving as the main information centre of the library system, 2 district libraries, 2 small libraries and relocated 2 district libraries to larger premises. The new libraries put more emphasis on reference and information services and the provision of spacious and pleasant environment for research and reading purpose, particularly for students who face cramped conditions in schools or at homes. Comfortable seating for reading is also a main feature of these new libraries. To encourage the search of information through application of IT, standalone multimedia workstations and Computer & Information Centres are also provided in all major libraries and most district libraries. At present, the LCSD operates a total of 71 public libraries including 8 mobile libraries and plans are in hand to open another 2 district libraries, 2 small libraries and 1 mobile library in the next 2 years. Since 2000, HKPL has also been actively involved in a Renovation Project to refurbish libraries with over ten years of service. The Project covering some 20 libraries is expected to be completed by 2008. The existing eight mobile libraries have also gone through a facelift to take on a new exterior design and the application of modern technology has enabled the mobile libraries to be connected to the library automation system through mobile network to provide online charging and discharging of library materials, as well as public access to the library catalogue. 2. Reference and Information Services HKPL has made the following provisions to enhance its reference and information services: 3 Reference services in the Central and major libraries Reference and information services are provided at the Central Library and the five major libraries – the City Hall, Kowloon, Sha Tin, Tsuen Wan and Tuen Mun public libraries. The Reference Library in the Hong Kong Central Library has six subject departments, an Arts Resource Centre, Hong Kong Literature Room, Map Library, Language Learning Centre, Young Adult Library and a Toy Library. It features a comprehensive collection of electronic materials to include electronic books, electronic journals, CD-ROMs, online databases and multi-media programmes, all of which are available for online access by the public. The number of reference enquiries handled by the library system has increased by 24.4% over the past three years. Business and Industry Library in City Hall Public Library The City Hall Reference Library has been renovated and developed into a Business and Industry Library. Artwork on loan An ‘Artwork on Loan’ scheme has been launched jointly with the Hong Kong Arts Development Council since August 2003. Under the Scheme, each reader and institution can borrow a maximum of two to five pieces of artwork respectively for a loan period of 30 days from the Arts Resources Centre of the Hong Kong Central Library. The artworks being reproductions of the works of local artists are provided by the Arts Development Council. Creativity and Innovation Resource Centre In November 2003, a Creativity and Innovation Resource Centre was set up in the City Hall Public Library under a joint project with the Creative Initiatives Foundation. The Centre aims to strengthen education in innovative and creative thinking and foster a deeper understanding of the potential of creativity, thereby enriching the creative culture in Hong Kong. Internet Reference Enquiry Service HKPL has just launched an Internet Reference Enquiry Service enabling the public to submit their reference enquiries through Internet. Reply to requests for simple and factual information obtainable from published sources or Websites would be provided within two working days. For those that require lengthy research, suggested sources would be provided within ten working days. Basic Law Library In April 2003, the Department signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Basic Law Institute to set up of a Basic Law Library at the City Hall Public Library. The Library is scheduled for opening in October 2004. In addition to materials