Hong Kong Public Libraries Multimedia Information System (MMIS) Digital Collections Gateway

Overview

The Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) Multimedia Information System (MMIS) is a digital library infrastructure operated by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the Hong Kong SAR Government. It provides online and in-library access to a large collection of digitized audiovisual materials, historical photographs, old maps, newspaper clippings, manuscripts, and heritage documents. The Digital Collections Gateway serves as the primary public-facing portal for these holdings.

History and Background

The Hong Kong Public Libraries network traces its origins to the first public library opened in 1869 at the former Hong Kong City Hall. The modern library system was formalized in the 1960s and eventually came under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) in 1999 after the dissolution of the Urban and Regional Councils. The Multimedia Information System was introduced as an early application of information technology within HKPL, providing audio-on-demand (AOD) and video-on-demand (VOD) services. The MMIS was substantially upgraded and relaunched in August 2013 with new features including personalised services, thematic content highlights, and a News in History function. Hong Kong Central Library, which opened on 17 May 2001, serves as the administrative hub of the network and primary MMIS access point.

Collections and Holdings

The MMIS provides access to digitized materials including old Hong Kong newspapers dating from the early colonial period to the present, historical photographs, artist clippings, maps, manuscripts, and audio-visual recordings. The Local Districts Profile digital collection contains approximately 8,000 items including over 5,000 photographs, newspaper clippings on arts and cultural activities, archives of the former Urban and Regional Councils, and audio and video recordings covering all 18 districts of Hong Kong. The broader HKPL collection totals more than 14 million items across the network of 70 static and 12 mobile libraries. HKPL's Hong Kong Memory (HKM) platform, a related initiative, provides free open access to digitized materials on Hong Kong's historical and cultural heritage.

Access and Usage

The MMIS is accessible both online and at dedicated workstations inside HKPL branch libraries. Registered HKPL members can access digitized materials through the internet portal. Old HK Newspapers and selected digital collections are freely available online. The HKPL also provides access to 65 e-databases and 273,000 e-books for registered members.