The LCSD makes extensive use of information technology to deliver services to the public. In 2011-12, the department commissioned 29 computerisation projects at a total cost of $159 million to enhance service quality and operational efficiency.
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Self-service ticket machines at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre make it quick and easy for customers to buy tickets to our cultural programmes. |
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Phase 1 of the Next Generation Integrated Library System (NGILS) project to replace the Library Automation System (LAS) was rolled out successfully and the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) pilot scheme was effectively implemented in six selected branch libraries in December 2011. NGILS provides automated library services, including library material circulation and online catalogue searching as well as acquisition and cataloguing support for internal library operations. The pilot scheme covered application of RFID-enabled self-charging terminals, self-returning stations and book sorter systems. The RFID-enabled Sha Tin Public Library also conducted a pilot test on a 24-hour self-returning service for readers to return loaned materials at any time.
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Automated library services were enhanced with the roll-out of the pilot Radio Frequency Identification scheme enabling the use of self-charging terminals. |
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Members of the Public Libraries Advisory Committee see the new automated book sorting system in operation at Sha Tin Public Library. |
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The pilot scheme has enhanced the efficiency of library circulation services and made available more self-service facilities in six selected branch libraries.
The implementation of Phase 2 of NGILS, which includes more new services such as self-service printing, e-payment and virtual reference service, is in progress. It is planned to be completed in 2013.
A feasibility study for further implementation of RFID in Hong Kong Public Libraries will commence in mid-2012.
The Multimedia Information System (MMIS) is a digital library system that allows patrons to search and gain instant access to digitised documents, and both digital and analogue audio and video material in the Hong Kong Central Library and 27 branch libraries. The system has been in place for ten years. A major system upgrade began in late 2011 and it is expected to be operational by 2013.
There are over 1 700 Internet-enabled computer workstations for the public in our libraries. To meet the increasing demand for speedy Internet access, network infrastructure has been improved and about 280 workstations have been upgraded.
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 phone. In October 2011, the system was enhanced to handle more types of miscellaneous payments for leisure facilities. The system is being upgraded and further enhanced to reduce waiting time for booking services and to make our services more user-friendly. Stage 1 of the upgrade was rolled out in March 2012 and the full upgrade and enhancement will be completed in 2013.
URBTIX, which has served the public and the hirers of LCSD performance venues since 1984, is Hong Kong’s leading ticketing system. It serves 43 performing arts venues with an aggregate seating capacity of more than 100 000. At present, there are 44 URBTIX ticketing outlets territory-wide. In 2011, a feasibility study was conducted to recommend a viable business ticketing model and a computerised solution that best suited the delivery of ticketing services to the public. The findings served as a reference for strategic planning of future provision of ticketing services.
The Hong Kong Archaeological Archives System provides digitised data in the form of photos, drawings and interactive 3D models on artefacts found at archaeological sites in the Hong Kong SAR. The public can access them via the Internet for research, education and general interest. Phase I of the system, covering about 1 000 archaeological items, was launched in November 2011. More collections will be progressively released in the coming two years in Phase II.
A virtual reality touring system with computer graphics and 3D animation on the restoration of King Yin Lei is being developed to educate the public about our heritage. The public will be able to enjoy it in 2012.
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The department launched the Generic Platform for Virtual Reality Touring Programme for Monuments, which enables people to take a virtual tour of King Yin Lei. |
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The soft launch of the Museum Portal took place in February 2012. It aims to provide a one-stop platform for all LCSD museums. Its content management system also enables easy website updating.
The use of Octopus cards for payment is being extended in LCSD venues to make our services easier to access and cut queuing time. Visitors were able to use their Octopus to pay admission fees in the Flower Show in March 2012. The department will extend Octopus applications to public libraries and museums in the coming two years. An Octopus Collection Recording System is being developed to process Octopus revenue information. It will be in operation in 2013.
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Entry to the Hong Kong Flower Show 2012 was simplified with the option to pay the admission fee through Octopus. |
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The Sports Subvention Management System is being developed to fully automate the operation of the Sports Subvention Scheme. Its first phase, which began in December 2011, supports intra-departmental operations. The second phase, to be implemented in the 2012-13 financial year, will provide services to sports organisations under the scheme.
- A Film Archive Management System (FAMS) is being developed to replace the existing system and improve the management of films and related items of the Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA). The new system will enable people to search the online catalogue on the Internet. It will also provide more functions to streamline the HKFA’s business operation. The new system will be ready in 2012.
- The Civic Centre Management System (CCMS) is being enhanced to provide new e-submission and e-payment services to the public, as well as other new internal functions to further improve the booking process. The new functions will be ready in 2013.
- A mobile app for cultural programmes is being developed for launch in 2012. Supporting iPhone, iPad and Android mobile devices, the app will provide a new channel to promote arts and cultural events to target audiences.
- The Contract Staff Payroll System (CSPS) is being re-developed to better manage the contract staff payroll. The new system will be launched in 2012.
- Phase III of LCSD Management Information System is being developed to enrich management information in areas related to promoted programmes, service resources and channels to facilitate data analysis and management decision making. The project will be completed in 2014.
- The Part-time Staff Management System is being improved to address the needs of the new operation workflow, ensure compliance with the Employment Ordinance and MPF scheme, and further streamline operations. The Attendance Logging Device will be extended to all LCSD leisure venues to automate logging procedure and facilitate payment of wages to part-time staff. The project will be completed in 2014.
- The Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) web portal is being revamped to better promote our diverse library services and improve public access to all online library services. The revamped portal is expected to be ready in 2013.
