Monthly Archives: December 2017

Net Neutrality No More

By Raymond Santiago

The United States Federal Communications Commission voted to repeal Internet regulations enacted during President Obama’s administration. These regulations assured a free and open playing field for everyone. Known as Net Neutrality, it prevented large telecommunication companies from treating data on the internet differently. Internet service providers (ISP) will no longer be prevented to discriminate or apply different charges based on user, content, application or websites on may wish to visit and use. The possible implications for libraries pose potential threats to the ways we access and provide information to our patrons.

Please see the news article below.

Self-service library stations to provide books on demand for Hong Kong readers

Hong Kong’s public libraries operator opened the City’s first self-service book station on 5 Dec 2017. Readers can now borrow from 300 books from the vending machine-style station located at Sai Wan Ho. Two more stations will be launched in the second half of 2018 in other parts of City.

The addition came as the rise of e-books has caused interest in Hong Kong’s public libraries to wane. The self-service station provides an extra channel for readers such as working professionals to borrow books outside normal working hours. Readers can also pick up books they have requested from public libraries.

More information: http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/community/article/2122973/self-service-library-stations-provide-books-demand-hong