The online catalogue includes collections of books found in Malta’s public libraries. These include the main Central Public Library in Floriana, The National Library in Valletta (listing only periodicals from 1998 onwards and Melitensia books from 1990 onwards), the Gozo lending library and the Gozo reference library in Victoria, Gozo.
Fourteen regional and local libraries are also accessible to everyone through the internet. The libraries in Luqa, Mosta, Birkirkara, Paola and Qormi are also listed, together with nine branch libraries in Mellieha, Zejtun, Zebbug, Zurrieq, Naxxar, Siggiewi, San Gwann, Cospicua and Birzebbuga. More branches of public libraries will also be accessible online in due course.
Searches can be conducted by author, title, subject or ISBN number. The online catalogue displays information of particular bibliographic records indicating the library where the respective items exist.
Users can also obtain information on the availability of the item required and whether it is out on loan, or on order.
This new internet service will enable patrons to renew their books' loan periods online. They can also reserve items that are temporary unavailable, on loan to other patrons.
When the requested book is returned to the owning library, and depending on whether there are other reservations for the same book, the item will be held by the library concerned and a notice will be automatically sent by post to the patron who made the reservation.
Patrons will be expected to retrieve the requested items from the library that owns the book - which will be indicated on the letter that they receive.
Transactions, renewals and reservations, will automatically follow the same rules and restrictions as those that apply when these services are made through a normal library counter.
Patrons can also access the online catalogue either through the library and archive depart-ment website: www.libraries-archives.gov or through the government portal www.gov.mtand by clicking on "Education".
Apart from improving efficiency, the e-government programme is also helping in streamlining public services. The government's aim is that 90 per cent of all public services will be accessible through the internet within a few months.
This electronic system will be increasing the direct participation of every individual from the convenience of home or office by means of computer as well as from a computer at the local council.
Quelle: Malta Independent
