Hong Kong Library Education and Career Forum
2006
Career Prospects in
Hong Kong Public Libraries
19 August 2006
HKPLHKPL
Role and Function of Public Libraries
Provide free public library services in Hong Kong
to meet the community needs for information, lifelong learning, cultural enrichment and recreation
Role and Function of Public Libraries
▬ as an information center
▬ as a medium and resource center for self-education and continuing education
▬ as a center for the promotion of literary arts in Hong Kong ; and
▬ as a community cultural center
Libraries’ Network & Service Level
Hong Kong Central Library (1)
Major Libraries (5)
District Libraries (28)
Small Libraries (31)
Mobile Libraries (10)
Total: 75
Staff Structure
Professional Staff-• Chief Librarian
• Senior Librarian
• Librarian
• Assistant Librarian
Non-professional Staff-• Library Officer / Clerical Officer
• Library Assistant / CSA / ACO
Job Specialization
Library Management▬Library planning and development▬Renovation program▬Library policy such as loan period,
opening hours, borrowing limit, fees and charges
▬Finance and supplies▬Human resources management
Job Specialization
Lending Services▬Patron registration▬Charging and discharging of
library materials▬Reservation of library materials
and interlibrary loans among branch libraries
▬Conducting extension activities▬Answering general enquiries
Job Specialization
Reference Services▬Readers’ advisory service▬Newspaper and periodical
services▬Electronic reference services▬Specialized library collections▬Interlibrary loan with other
institutions
Job Specialization
Collection Development▬Establish the needs of readers
and formulate policies for selection, acquisition and weeding
▬Participate in the selection of library materials
▬Undertake stock editing work
Job Specialization
Marketing and Promotion ▬Organizing outreach programs for
promotion of reading and literary arts▬Close liaison with schools, cultural,
education and community organizations for promotion of public library services
▬Preparing and publishing Promotional leaflets and publicity materials
▬Publication of Library Newsletter
Job Specialization
Computer and Infra-structure Development▬Developing and maintaining
the Library Automatic System and Multi-media Information System
▬Providing support to Internet and multi-media information services
Job Specialization
Technical Processing▬Familiarization with the book
trade▬Acquisition of suitable library
materials▬Classification and cataloguing
of library materials
General Duties of Non-Professional Staff
Handling circulation (charging and discharging), shelving and processing of library materials
General enquiry service Clerical duties Maintain library order
Quality and Skills Required for Professional Staff
Proactive and with social
awareness Amicable and patient Open-minded
Agility and flexible
Willing to work shifts and
long hours
Qualities and Skills Required for Professional Staff
Subject knowledge Skills in information technology Language skills Management and Interpersonal
skills Dynamic & well-organized Aptitude for strategic planning
Assistant Librarian
Minimum Entry Qualifications:
a. Hong Kong Degree or equivalent
b. A valid pass in two language papers (use of Chinese and English) & the Aptitude Test in Common Recruitment Exam (CRE)
Terms of Appointment:▬ Civil service
probationary terms for 3 years (3+3)
Monthly Salary: $15,215 (MPS 11) (w.e.f.1.7.2006)
Assistant Librarian
Assistant Librarian
Education & Training
Induction course and in-service
training
Diploma in Librarianship program
Librarian : Overseas training program
Library Officer
Minimum Entry Qualifications:▬ 5 passes in HKCEE including English
Language (Syll B), Chinese Language and Mathematics, or equivalent
▬ Certificate for Library Assistant + 5-yr. full time experience incl. 1-yr.
in local and overseas library; OR 7-yr. full time experience incl. 2 to 4-yr. in local and overseas library
Library Officer
Minimum Entry Qualifications:▬ Good computer knowledge in
MS Word, MS Excel and Chinese inputting method
Term of Appointment: Non-civil Service Contract Terms
Monthly Salary: $12,300 (w.e.f.1.8.2006)
Gratuity: 10%
Library Assistant
Minimum Entry Qualifications:▬ 5 passes in HKCEE including English Language (Sys B), Chinese Language and Mathematics,
or equivalent
▬ Good computer knowledge in MS Word, MS Excel and Chinese
inputting method
Library Assistant
Term of Appointment:Non-civil Service Contract Terms
Monthly Salary: $7,700 (w.e.f. 1.8.2006)
Gratuity: 10%
Recruitment Advertisements
Newspapers Library homepage at
<http://www.hkpl.gov.hk>
The End Thank You