I am writing to request that the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) make available comprehensive open data on the full library catalogue of Hong Kong Public Libraries, including books, periodicals, audiovisual materials, and digital collections. The current lack of accessible, detailed data on the complete catalogue restricts users’ ability to efficiently locate and access the diverse resources offered, limiting engagement with the library’s holdings.
Releasing open data on the full library catalogue, including titles, authors, formats, availability status, and other relevant details, would significantly enhance the user experience by streamlining the search process and improving resource discoverability. Moreover, providing this data in an open, machine-readable format would spur technological innovation by enabling developers to create innovative solutions, such as mobile apps, recommendation systems, or interactive platforms, to attract more citizens to reading and engaging with library resources. This would foster greater community participation and promote a culture of learning and creativity in Hong Kong.
I kindly urge LCSD to release this data to support both public access and technological innovation. This initiative would greatly benefit the community and align with the mission of promoting cultural and educational engagement.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to your positive response.
Yours sincerely,
Sammy Fung
President, Open Source Hong Kong.
