Information Technology

Information Technology (IT) is a crucial facilitator in the delivery of LCSD services to the public. Nineteen computerisation projects and other support activities with a total cost of $48 million were commissioned in 2009-10 to enhance service quality and operational efficiency.

Computerisation of Public Libraries

The Library Automation System (LAS) provides automated library services, including acquisition and cataloguing support for internal library operation, library material circulation and public access to the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC). A contract was awarded in January 2010 for the replacement of the system with a view to providing new and better services to the public. Contractors have been engaged for this purpose, and we plan to launch the first phase of the enhanced system in 2011. A pilot scheme to install Radio Frequency Identification technology in a number of branch libraries will also be implemented to assess the impact and benefits to the public and internal library operation.

The Multimedia Information System (MMIS) is a digital library system that allows patrons to search for and gain instant access to digitised documents and to audio and video material in both digital and analogue formats in the Hong Kong Central Library and 26 branch libraries. The system has been in place for eight years, and a feasibility study was carried out in July 2008 to ascertain the public's needs and propose feasible solutions for a system upgrade. The Department sought funding approval from the Legislative Council in early 2009 for a major system upgrade, and tendering activities are in progress.

Over eighty-five Internet Express Terminals (IET) have been installed in 64 branch libraries to meet increased public demand for convenient and speedy access to Internet facilities since the system was installed in late 2009. The self-service kiosk technology of the IETs means that no prior reservation is required, and each individual can have up to 15 minutes to search the Internet and check emails. All of the terminals are managed and monitored by a centralised system.

The Internet Express Terminals located in public libraries allow individuals 15-minute sessions to search the Internet and check emails with no prior reservation required.

East Asian Games Integration System (EAGIS)

The East Asian Games Integration System (EAGIS) was implemented to support the Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games (EAG) held in December, the largest international multi-sport event ever held in Hong Kong. The EAGIS, which employed the latest technologies, was mainly used to capture, record and publish the results of the 262 competition events in 22 sports programmes in support of the information requirements of officials, athletes, referees, the media and the general public. The system also allowed venue access control by providing accreditation and badges for more than 5 000 officials, athletes and staff. An internal IT management team consisting of 12 IT professionals was formed by the IT Office to supervise the project, and to manage all of the other EAG-related IT initiatives, such as IT security control, the use of video conferencing and messaging amongst the 40 competition venues, and PC provision for officials, referees and staff. The EAGIS and all of the other support initiatives managed by the IT management team helped to ensure that the EAG were a great success.

The East Asian Games Integration System was used to capture, record and publish competition results during the Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games.

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 counters, the Internet, self-service kiosks and by telephone. The following two major enhancements were completed in 2009-10.

The system was enhanced and integrated with the GovHK portal's Change of Address function in March 2010. Leisure Link members can now conveniently submit their change of address requests through the GovHK portal.
The telephone booking channel was improved in January 2010. Additional telephone lines were provided, and more bookings can now be processed in the same amount of time. With the provision of a call centre queuing function, LLS customers are now informed of their position in the queue, which greatly reduces the likelihood of missed telephone calls.

In view of growing public demand for the LLS, a technical study on the replacement of its backend system and frontend workstations was completed in October 2009. The proposed upgrade will commence in 2010-11, with completion expected by 2013, subject to funding approval.

Government Wi-Fi Programme

Phase two of the implementation of the Government's Wi-Fi programme (GovWiFi) is now complete. As of the end of March 2010, the public can enjoy GovWiFi services at 208 LCSD sites, including all 66 static public libraries and some civic centres, stadia, museums, sports centres and major parks.

Since the end of March 2010, the public can enjoy GovWiFi services at 208 LCSD sites, including 66 static public libraries.

Urban Ticketing System (URBTIX)

URBTIX has served the public and the hirers of LCSD performance venues since 1984. It has become Hong Kong's leading ticketing system and serves 43 regular performing arts venues with an aggregate seating capacity of more than 100 000. At present, there are 39 URBTIX ticketing outlets located territory-wide. A throttle infrastructure was installed in 2009 to protect the system and its operation from the overwhelming amount of Internet traffic.

Human Resources Management Information System

The Human Resources Management Information System (HRMIS) was launched in June 2009 to facilitate the Department's human resources management functions, including staff appointments, postings and performance appraisals. The system streamlines operational procedures and business operations related to human resources management with the objective of improving operational efficiency.

Management Information System Phase II

The first wave (Wave 1.1) of the Management Information System Phase II (MIS II) was launched in March 2010 to establish an enterprise-wide data warehouse for the provision of timely management information to the Department's senior management. The system aims to facilitate decision-making and planning for senior management, as well as assist them in answering ad hoc enquiries, formulating public service policies and allocating resources. MIS II Wave 1.1 covers information related to venues and facilities while other relevant information will be covered in subsequent waves.

Civic Centre Management System

The Civic Centre Management System was launched in July 2009. It is a venue management and facility booking system which facilitates the processing of applications to hire facilities. Its major functions include venue and facility management, booking application management, point system and facility allocation for the applications and handling of payment transactions. The system can improve the overall operations by enabling data sharing amongst all civic centres and performing arts venues.

Museum Collection Management System for Hong Kong Heritage Museum

A Museum Collection Management System (MCMS) has been developed for the Hong Kong Heritage Museum. It facilitates the management of the museum's collections and allows the public to access information on select artefacts via the Internet. The system's implementation was completed in September 2009, and the public access module will be rolled out in mid-2010.

Museum Object Conservation System

A Museum Object Conservation System has been developed for the Central Conservation Section of the LCSD to facilitate the management of conservation records for museum artefacts and heritage objects and the inventory of treatment materials for the Section's laboratories.

Projects under Development

The following projects are in progress:

An URBTIX capacity review is being conducted to identify its upgrade requirements in accordance with emerging market needs and the aspirations of the performing arts sector.
Ticket Dispensing Machines for the collection of pre-paid tickets will be installed at 15 LCSD performing arts venues for URBTIX customers who have purchased tickets via the Internet/telephone ticketing channels.
A Hong Kong Archaeological Archives System is being developed to digitise data on the artefacts discovered at archaeological sites within the Hong Kong region. Photos, drawings and interactive 3D models of select collection items will be made accessible to the public via the Internet for research and education purposes.
A feasibility study on the introduction of the restoration works of King Yin Lei to the public for heritage education and promotion purposes through Virtual Reality Touring and 3D animation technology was completed in December 2009. System development will commence in early 2011.
Direct Purchase Authority Management System Phase II (DPAS II) is currently underway to enhance the system's functionality and user friendliness and to further streamline daily operations.
A new Contract Staff Payroll System (CSPS) is being developed to facilitate business operations in relation to the payroll of the Department's contract staff. This system will replace the existing one and will have more flexible functions and better system performance, thanks to the use of the latest technology.