The department strongly supports the use of information technology to improve the provision of public services and to satisfy the public's growing expectations. Some 35 computerisation projects were commissioned during the year at a cost of $50 million to improve service quality and internal operational efficiency.

Computerisation Projects of Public Libraries

With the opening of two new public libraries at Fanling and Fu Shan, there are now 62 libraries and eight mobile libraries serving the Hong Kong community. Each library is linked by one of the largest bilingual library automation systems in the world — LCSD's Library Automation System (LAS). The system was improved during the year with the inclusion of data security and privacy measures, search facilities for multiple library catalogues of the LCSD, and the use of simplified Chinese characters for the web-based on-line catalogue. In parallel, an e-mail notification service was also introduced to send library notices, such as reminders on the expiration of book loan periods to registered patrons.

A patron using her smart ID card to use the library services.

A new service was also introduced by the LCSD as an initiative to coincide with the launching of the Hong Kong smart ID card. Patrons can now use their smart ID cards for the checking out and renewal of library materials. To facilitate the use of electronic service over the Internet, 165 computers in public libraries have also been equipped with smart card readers.

The Multimedia Information System (MMIS) was further extended to 24 branch libraries across Hong Kong. The functions of the MMIS workstations in the branch libraries are almost identical to those in the Hong Kong Central Library and the public can have access to valuable materials such as digitised audio and video clips and document images.

Library staff showing a patron on how to use the Multimedia Information System.

Creativity and Innovation Resource Centre

The Creativity and Innovation Resource Centre, located at the City Hall Public Library, was opened to the public in late 2003. It is a joint project of the Hong Kong Public Libraries and the Creative Initiatives Foundation. The collections in the Centre contain more than 1,500 books and journals relating to creativity and innovation. Targeted users are people from the business community, parents, teachers, school administrators and students. They can use the Centre for relevant research and study. The catalogue is accessible through the Open Public Access Catalogue terminals in the Centre as well as all public libraries and the web-based OPAC system.

Computerisation of Hong Kong Museum of History

The Hong Kong Museum of History has also been computerised to provide a complete set of collection management functions including the registration of collections, stock-taking, the movement of objects, the lending of collections and the maintenance of exhibition records. Internet access will be available in late 2004 for the public to view the museum collections and exhibition information.

Online Patron Registration System

Since the implementation of the Online Patron Registration System in 2002, the number of registered patrons has increased substantially to well over 37,000, of which about 21,000 have subscribed to the e-Magazine service and over 22,000 are Leisure Link patrons. To cope with future growth and to ensure service availability, a full-scale resilience system was implemented and launched in July 2003.

Revamping of LCSD Website

The department's website was also revamped in November to meet the 'common look and feel' requirement, making it easier for the public to search for information and use electronic services through the Internet. The redesigned web pages, with new icons and better categorisation of information and services provided by the department, allow the public to quickly locate data and click into the right web pages with greater ease. The website serves as a complete guide to the department's wide variety of programmes, events and user-friendly electronic services.

The redesigned LCSD website enables members of the public to search for information more easily.

ESD Leisure Link System

New features of the ESD Leisure Link system, which provide more comprehensive information on booking schedules, were launched in April. Registered patrons can now set up their own booking profiles with pre-defined details and preferences to speed up the booking process while the public can use their HKID card number to book recreational and sports facilities. Further improvements have been planned for 2004.

Management Information System

The department has greatly improved efficiency in handling public complaints and formulating strategies to address problems with the Management Information System (MIS) Information Portal and the 'Views from the Public' system. These systems have effectively provided up-to-date information including complaints from the public, feedback and compliments on the performance of LCSD staff. The application of funds for the implementation of a full-scale project on MIS was approved in 2003 and the development work of the 16-month project is now underway.

Projects under Development

Other projects being developed include: