FEATURE

AUTHOR_Yvonne Yu, Yan Lam

PHOTO_Panda Lei, Yan Lam

The English word “Library” comes from “Liber” from Latin. This implies that library from earlier time was all about books. As time goes by, the role of public library as a cultural centre and community centre has become increasingly prominent. Famous designers are invited to design the library buildings and make them into famous landmarks. In addition, these buildings also demonstrate more possibilities in terms of the internal function of libraries. The community libraries are inseparable from the lives of citizens: yoga (Biblioteca Sur in Lima, Peru), cinema, makerspace (Oodi Helsinki Central Library, Finland), even the magical “Hand and Brain Lab” designated for children (Chicago Public Library) joining the local community life. Apart from reading, readers from children to elderly can also find the joy of community life here. In the era of big data, the library is more at the cutting edge of intelligence, providing readers with rich and precious electronic database and various smart devices, which is an indispensable part in the process of developing an intelligent city.

When we talk about libraries, our topic will not only focus on books. In the midst of the above-mentioned new trend of public libraries around the world, Macao Public Library has found her own positioning and is moving forward. Want to know more about this? Check out on our “Feature” of this issue.

As a community library, the space layout in the library should be more modern and human-oriented, so that it can be used to bring the community together and facilitate the use of the public. In recent years, many libraries have become hot spots for pictures and social media because of their unique design. It is no exaggeration to say that the Sir Robert Ho Tung Library is the “influencer” library, because it is the only garden-style library in the region of Hong Kong and Macao. In addition, the two main library buildings display interesting contrast, as one was built a century later than the other. The two are connected by books, symbolizing a mix of old and new elements. You can find European architectural features such as arched windows and Ionian column pilasters in the old building. On the other hand, you can see transparent, modern glass design from the new building. This unique reading environment attracts a lot of visitors. The Seac Pai Van Library which opened last year has also become a hot topic in the city. It is located next to the bus stop, which not only facilitates the residents nearby, but also makes it more convenient for citizens of all districts. The colourful walls, interesting-looking tables and chairs in the children's book area create an imaginative parent-child activity space for children; the group discussion room, multi-function room and audiovisual materials area in the library do not interfere with each other simultaneously, catering to the needs of different readers.

Tianjin Binhal Public Library

In Mainland China, the use of creative space by public libraries has also been constantly innovated. For example, since its opening, Tianjin Binhai Public Library has attracted people from all over the country. On the internet, it has been regarded the most beautiful library in China. The central lobby of Binhai Library is a spacious public space with a large, spherical projection screen in the middle, and a wavy stair bookcase on either side to form a large book wall. Don't worry that the book is too high to reach, because there are only three levels of shelves which are reachable. The rest is just wallpaper of books. You don't have to worry that there are not enough books neither, as the large reading rooms are located on both sides of the hall. This setting not only provides the readers with individual reading space, but also creates a space for the cultural communication of the people.

Libray e-lesson

Macao Public Library is spawning among the community in a healthy manner. This integration in the community is not as simple as opening up the library to the community, but rather to foster a trustworthy network of connections and sharing mechanisms. By organizing various practical and down-to-earth activities, we take care of the needs of readers of all ages in the community, create interactions with the nature of creativity and interest sharing. For example, the courses “Library E Lessons” have been held for many years. Most of the participants are senior citizens. The tutors are teaching trend-oriented but very practical topics on mobile apps such as "Mobile Device Operating System Setting and Application Courses". Another activity "Health Care Series Lecture", which has been held for many years, also invites instructors from different fields such as Chinese medicine practitioners and Qigong masters to promote relevant knowledge to the public. With regard to children, the library also often organizes various story sharing or parent-child interaction activities, such as picture book presenting, body movement games and handworks, bringing parents and children closer. At the same time, there are various lectures, workshops, community tours, exhibitions and other activities available for the public.

In Japan, where community libraries are everywhere, the community integration of libraries has been further extended with regard to the use of architecture and space, which is worth learning for Macao. Designed by the famous designer Sejima Kazuyo, the Nakamachi Library in Kodaira, Tokyo, is a library with unique three-floor space building that blends the public hall, library and ground community space. On the first floor there are a cooking activity room and a pottery activity room. The office area is located in the yard, while the dancing room is at the underground floor. The second and the third floor of the library are seamlessly connected to the nearby residential areas and green belts by changing the roof height. People can freely and easily reach the public hall and the community through the entrance and the passageway of the library. Each functional area has both independent function and meets the needs as a public place.

Close to the world's development trend, the application of big data is more prominent in the innovation of library services. The digitalization process of the library collection resources of Macao Public Library is also actively promoted. Four electronic databases were launched at the end of last year: Database of Macao Newspaper Clippings during the Second-Sino Japanese War, The Foreign Language News Collection Database, The Poster Collection Database and The Historical Archive of Va Kio Daily Database. These databases are quite convenient and practical for scholars who need more materials for academic research and people who want to know more about local history. (For more details on how to use please refer to “Library Handbook” of this issue)

New York Public Library (Photographer: George Hodan)

Many libraries at home and abroad have actively launched their own mobile apps, especially university libraries. These applications make it easier for users to conduct book literature searches, borrowing and other services. There are countless examples of integrating featured collections to digital resources in apps. For example, New York Public Library integrated data from World's Fair during 1939 to 1940 in “NYPL Biblion: World's Fair”; British National Library integrated the library book collection of 19th century in “British Library 19th Century Collection”; French National Library integrated the scroll maps during the 14th to 18th century at the Age of Discovery in “Lge dor des cartes marines”.

* References:

1）Deng Jingxian (26 April, 2016), A Comparative Study of Mobile Library APP Services at Home and Abroad, Dongguan Library.

2）Zhangyi Culture (21 June, 2017), Innovation and Development of Libraries Services in the Age of Big Data, KKNews.

New York Public Library (Photographer: George Hodan)

Self Check Machine in Macao Public Library

With innovative new technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence, library services are becoming more “intelligent”. Macao Public Library has been actively launching different smart services in recent years, including Self Check Machines, Book Drops, and RFID technology applications. RFID technology has been widely used in the library industry. Each book has a label containing the information of the book, which can be identified and transmitted through wireless RF signal. In the past, readers had to go to the service counter to scan and return books manually. With RFID technology, a maximum of five books can be placed in the sensing area of the Self Check Machines, with which the procedures for borrowing, returning and renewing books can be completed. This smart technology reduces the time for readers to borrow books and provides a new method to book inventory.

Until the third quarter of 2019, the usage rate of Self Check Machines, Book Drops and other equipments has exceeded 80%. Thanks to the emergence of these smart devices, the opening hour of Macao Public Library has been extended to meet the needs of readers utilizing the library at different times. In addition, Macao Public Library and Identification Services Bureau (DSI) jointly launched the Self-service Library Card Application, through which readers can complete the application of reader card, reader card renewal and personal contact information update. This series of intelligent services greatly reduces the time cost for readers to use library resources and services, which truly makes reading convenient throughout the city.

Book conveyor belt in Seattle Public Library

Automatic transport vehicles for books from The Oodi Helsinki Central Library in Finland (Photographer: Daniel Leiviska)

The development of intelligent library is undoubtedly the current main trend. Many large libraries abroad are at the forefront in this respect by not only providing self-service, but also using different intelligent technologies in the circulation of books to reduce the workload of librarians. The Seattle Public Library has a book conveyor belt and an automatic book sorting machine. The books are transported to the sorting machine through the conveyor belt, and are automatically sorted by the machine before being sent to different reading rooms by the librarian. The Oodi Helsinki Central Library in Finland uses automatic transport vehicles to transport books to the corresponding bookshelves for the librarians to shelf the books directly. These intelligent measures have reduced the work of librarians in handling books, allowing librarians to have more time and resources for humanity services.

* References:

1）Chu Jingli, Duan Meizheng (2019), “From Smart Library to Intelligent Library”, Journal of the National Library of China, No. 121, 3-9.

2）Tseng Shu-hsien (2008), “Public Library Makes the City More Charming”, Taipei Public Library Newsletter, Vol. 26 No. 1, September 2008, 12-30.

3) David J. Cord (December, 2018),
“Helsinki Invests in Its People with A Library that Reinvents the Genre”, https://finland.fi/life-society/helsinki-invests-in-its-people-with-a-library-that-reinvents-the-genre/

Mr. Leung Tak Hoi
Working in University of Macau Library, the vice chairman of Macao Library and Information Management Association (MLIMA), corresponding member of the Preservation and Conservations Section of International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), international member of the America Library Association (ALA)

Today's library is an important public place. It is a learning space, an exchange space, and a makerspace. Readers are not only able to read in the comfortable reading environment provided by the library, but can also communicate with each other through group discussions, lectures, seminars or exhibitions. The so-called makerspace is a space to give readers the opportunity to experience new technologies, allow them to use new learning tools, make use of the equipment to complete learning or creating research results. These devices, such as 3D printers, photo studios, scanners, professional computers and simple process equipment, have completely disrupted traditional library services.

Macao is a city with a large population. Indoor non-commercial public spaces are especially lacking. The library can be used as space for educational and cultural activities, such as parent-child activities or performances, as well as group discussion rooms and small meeting rooms for readers. A more controversial topic is whether the library can set up a cafe or eating be allowed in the library since eating in the library can cause problems in terms of hygiene, preservation of books and affecting the reading environment. On the other hand, as an accessory facility, in fact, some libraries in Macao have tried to set up small cafes, such as a terrace garden or balcony in the library, which allows readers to eat lightly, enabling readers more willing to stay longer, hence this act will be welcomed by readers.

Liu Qiongxiong
Founder of “Barren Island Library”, former executive editor of the City Pictorial magazine

The function of modern libraries is no longer a unidirectional place for people to check information, as what the stereotypes of library show. In appearance, it is an aesthetic display, because many libraries at home and abroad pay great attention to architectural design, making the library a cultural landmark to attract the public's attention. In terms of the services, the library is more like a complex. It provides not only books and materials, but also the space for communication. It connects individuals and communities, students can do their homework here, the elderly can read newspapers here, read news through computer screen, young people can have some leisure activity such as gathering and discussion, even watching movies, listening to music, drinking coffee and other leisure experiences.

In addition to public spaces, thematic libraries will also be a direction for library development. The input and output of culture is an important function of the library. If the library displays a strong theme, it will definitely leave a deeper impression among the people. It will also attract like-minded people. There is a small library in Kaiping, Guangdong. It has a collection of books related to the neighbouring communities, including genealogy, history books, etc. Such a library, although small in scale, it is exclusive and unique, thus it will become a space for cultural exchange of various themes among readers.