RFID technology could be next chapter in Hong Kong’s public libraries and help promote citywide reading culture, says LCSD
- Government looking to revamp computer systems supporting city’s 70 public and 12 mobile libraries, which reach the end of their serviceable life by 2021
- Technology would allow users to take out books instantly by tapping their mobile devices
Borrowing books could become as simple as tapping your phone under a plan to upgrade Hong Kong’s libraries with more user-friendly systems in the hope of promoting a citywide reading culture.
Unmanned mini-libraries and longer opening hours could also be possible with new, high-tech self-service kiosks, according to a paper submitted to the Legislative Council by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) on Thursday.
The government has been looking to revamp two computer systems that support Hong Kong’s 70 public and 12 mobile libraries as they will reach the end of their serviceable life by 2021.
Under the proposal, equipment such as check-out terminals and book drops at all libraries would be fitted with radio frequency identification (RFID) – the same technology that allows a tap and go system for wireless payment with credit cards.
The technology would also allow users to check out items instantly by tapping their mobile devices, the paper said.