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The Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) and the Bavarian State Library today (January 21) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a series of library co-operation initiatives such as information technology development and sharing of digital resources to promote cultural exchange between the two libraries.
The ceremony was held at Hong Kong Central Library (HKCL) and in Munich at the same time through videoconferencing.
The officiating guests were the Assistant Director of Leisure and Cultural Services (Libraries and Development), Mr Lee Yuk-man; the Chief Librarian of HKCL, Ms Rochelle Lau; the Deputy Director General of the Bavarian State Library of the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr Klaus Ceynowa; and the Deputy Head of the Oriental and Asia Department, Dr Thomas Tabery.
Ms Rochelle Lau also expressed her thanks to Dr Ceynowa and the Director of the Munich Digitisation Centre, Dr Markus Brantl, for visiting HKCL in March 2012 and conducting a lecture on the innovative library services of the Bavarian State Library and a seminar on digitisation and digital long-term preservation.
The signing of this MOU between the Bavarian State Library and the HKPL signifies a concrete step in fostering co-operation in the areas of information technology, information services, exchange of digital resources, cultural exchanges and sharing of expertise in various areas of library activities. In addition, the HKPL will further explore the possibility of co-operation with the Bavarian State Library on developing digital resources. The HKPL is now implementing the upgrade of its Multimedia Information System to enhance its functions. Through new functions and features, the two libraries can embark on new co-operation activities.
The HKCL will send the Bavarian State Library a set of 10 printed and digitised copies of catalogues, listing collections of renowned scholars' documents and local composers' music scores. These valuable collectibles were collected in the Documents Collection Campaign and the Hong Kong Music Collection Campaign, which aim at achieving the HKCL's objectives in enhancing the public's awareness of the preservation of local heritage, as well as encouraging research into local culture.
Ends/Monday, January 21, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:23
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