LCSD's response to Ombudsman's investigation
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     In response to media enquiries regarding the decision of the Ombudsman to investigate the criteria and procedures for procuring and withdrawing library materials managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), a spokesman for the LCSD today (January 12) said the department welcomed the Ombudsman's direct investigation into the matter.

     The spokesman said, "The Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) under the LCSD is committed to developing a balanced and diversified library collection to meet the community's needs for reading and self-learning. The HKPL reviews the prevailing mechanism from time to time and formulates the annual collection development plan having regard to the feedback of the community with a view to ensuring the effective use of resources and meeting the changing needs of the community.

     "The department will work closely with the Office of the Ombudsman to assist in the examination of the matter, and we hope that viable and effective measures to further enhance the library collection and services can be identified."

Ends/Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Issued at HKT 12:30

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