Bringing books back into 'browsing'

Scholars, students and book lovers no longer need to make the trip down to the library to look for a book they may not find or browse around for a new read. They can now do both via the internet.

A new government service called e-libraries enables prospective borrowers to search or explore the massive collection of books housed in public libraries. And it gives 'browsing', or surfing the Web, back some of its original meaning.

Patrons can also renew their borrowed items online and make reservations - and only then will they need to leave the comfort of their home or office.

The service, at www.librariesarch-ives.gov, was launched by the Ministry for Information Technology and Investment in collaboration with the Ministry of Education as part of the e-Government programme.

The website provides the public with an online catalogue of books found in the 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 Gozo reference library in Victoria, as well as in 14 regional and local libraries. These are in Luqa, Mosta, Birkirkara, Paola, Qormi, Mellieha, Zejtun, Zebbug, Zurrieq, Naxxar, Siggiewi, San Gwann, Bormla and Birzebbuga. More branches will be accessible online in due course.

Searches can be conducted by author, title, subject or ISBN number. The online catalogue gives information on where the wanted item exists, its availability and whether it is out on loan or on order.

Patrons can renew their books' loan periods online or reserve items that are out on loan.

When the requested book is returned to the owning library, and depending on whether there were other reservations placed on the same book, the item is held by the library and a notice is automatically sent by post to the patron making the reservation.

Transactions, renewals and reservations will follow the same rules and restrictions as those made from a normal library counter.

Patrons can also access the online catalogue through the government portal www.gov.mt and clicking on 'Education'.

Apart from improving efficiency, the e-Government programme is helping to streamline public services. The aim is to have 90 per cent of all public services online within a few months, so as to increase the direct participation of every individual from the convenience of home or office or from a computer at the local council.