Information Technology

LCSD has made extensive use of information technology to enhance the quality of its services to the public and to improve its operational efficiency. In 2014-15, 51 computerisation projects were being implemented at a total expenditure of $80.36 million.

Computerisation of Public Libraries

The Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) has been continuously enhancing the e-services it offers to the public. A mobile app called My Library was launched in July 2014 for iPhones and iPads, and in September 2014 for Android smartphones and tablets. The app provides popular functions such as the reservation and renewal of library materials, and a personalised alert service that reminds users of the due dates of borrowed items and of the availability of reserved items for pickup.

To promote computer literacy and facilitate public access to reference information, a number of Computer & Information Centres/Areas (CIC/A) have been set up at 28 public libraries. These provide common software packages such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite, together with printing and scanning services, for use by the public. The hardware and software for CIC at the Hong Kong Central Library was upgraded in January 2015. Apart from improving their functionality and security, the upgrade ensured that all the public workstations are now running up-to-date software.

A few enhancements were made to the HKPL website subsequent to the launch of its new design in March 2014. Different festival themes (e.g. Christmas, Chinese New Year) were incorporated into the website for the celebration of these festivals. The 10th Hong Kong Literature Festival was held in June and July 2014, and a thematic website specific to this festival with a structural and organised design was developed and launched. The addition of more functions to the HKPL website is planned in 2015; this will include the launch of a mobile version and the introduction of a single sign-on function, making access to the online library services more convenient and user-friendly than ever.

The Hong Kong Memory Project aims to develop a web-based digital repository for the collection, preservation and dissemination of the historical and cultural heritage of Hong Kong. This is a joint project of LCSD and the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). Following contributions from many scholars and experts, collections and exhibitions of digitised documents, images, video and audio were developed for the system. Having taken up the project from HKJC in early December 2014, HKPL plans to further enrich the system by adding more content and enhancing its functionality. Improvements to online exhibitions to fit viewing via mobile devices and tablets are also being carried out.

Leisure Link System

The Leisure Link System (LLS) enables the public to book leisure facilities and enrol in recreational and sports activities through different channels, including at counters, through the internet, at self-service kiosks, and by phone. Two enhancement projects were completed in May and July 2014 respectively to curb abuse of these booking services. The former was designed to strengthen the registration process for LLS membership. The latter was designed to blacklist no-show hirers, and also arrange that all sessions booked through the internet between 7am and 7.15am where the payment process was not completed would be made available again for booking from 8.15am on the same day. In addition, a system upgrade of the Leisure Link e-Services System (LLES) was completed in June 2014, which enhanced its capacity for handling the growing demand for internet booking services. The system integration of LLES with MyGovHK portal was also completed in July 2014, meaning that the public can now conveniently access LLES via the MyGovHK portal using a single sign-on, and personalise it according to their preferences. A study is underway to explore the opportunities for service improvement that have arisen from the redevelopment of the LLS, which will be completed in 2016.

Web Accessibility of Websites

In line with the Government's Web Accessibility Campaign, LCSD websites have been enhanced to conform to the Level AA standard of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines Version 2.0, promulgated by the World Wide Web Consortium. The enhanced LCSD departmental website and 91 thematic websites were fully launched in September 2014. LCSD departmental website will be further revamped with an up-to-date website layout design to improve the presentation of information, accompanied by a mobile version.

Projects in Progress

• A Film Archive Management System (FAMS) is being developed to replace the existing system and improve the management of films and related items in the Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA). The new system will enable the catalogue to be searched online. It will also provide more functions that will help streamline the HKFA’s business operations. The new system will be launched in early 2015.

• The Museum Multi-media Information Guide System is being developed to provide museum guide information on exhibits along with navigation instructions. This will enhance museum services at the Hong Kong Science Museum and the Hong Kong Space Museum. Mobile apps will be developed for popular smart phones which the public will be able to download; these will enable them to access the museum guides in multi-media format on their smart phones.
• A Music Office Integrated System is being developed to enhance the efficiency of the Music Office’s business operations. The system will provide a musical instrument inventory, student and training record management for the Instrumental Musical Training Scheme, and on-line recruitment options for training courses and the Summer Music Training Programmes. The new system will be implemented by early 2016.
• A Borrower Registration Record (BRR) System is being developed to computerise HKPL’s borrower registration records, which are currently stored in traditional forms such as paper and microfilm. This will streamline the process for retrieving these records by HKPL branch libraries. The new system will be in place by mid-2016.