Public IT Facilities

Many public facilities are available in Hong Kong where you can access computers and the Internet, use electronic services, and develop new skills that will be beneficial in the information age. Here you can learn more about what these facilities offer, where they can be found and how you can make use of them.

Facilities at Public Libraries

Another way you can gain access to computers is through public libraries. Internet workstations are installed in static public libraries to enable you to browse the Internet. To facilitate the browsing of the Internet by the visually impaired, some Internet workstations are installed with special aiding devices, including screen magnifying software as well as Cantonese and English voice synthesiser software.

To support the public's self-learning and information needs, the Hong Kong Public Libraries have developed a Multimedia Information System (MMIS) to provide one-stop interactive multimedia information service that allows the public to search, browse, view or listen to all kinds of multimedia materials through workstations inside the library or through the Internet. You may surf the Internet with workstations as well. Through the online booking service, users with valid library cards can reserve for the use of workstations as well as contents, such as audio, video and CD-ROM databases.

Moreover, the Computer and Information Centres or Areas in selected public libraries offer services that allow you to:

• Use commonly used software such as word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation
• Apply application software such as web authoring, image and photo editing, drawing, and publishing (available in the Computer and Information Centres only)
• Access the Library Catalogue, e-books and online databases
• Browse the Internet
• Scan documents (except Stanley Public Library and Tai Kok Tsui Public Library)
• Print documents (colour printing available in the Hong Kong Central Library and public libraries in the New Territories)

Some of these services can be pre-booked. Please check with your library for details.

Computer Facilities & Courses from Non-governmental Organisations

You can consider the various computer facilities provided by non-governmental organisations to develop your IT skills. Below is one of the examples.

Christian Action Community Cyber Centre

The Community Cyber Centre is co-organised by the Christian Action and Home Affairs Department with its services launched in July 2007. Members of the public are welcome to enrol free of charge as members of the Christian Action Community Cyber Centre and enjoy its free IT facilities.

Internet access is available at all computer workstations and selected computers are equipped with Smart Identity Card Readers for users to enjoy secure public services. To facilitate the use of computers by the visually impaired, the centre has also installed dedicated hardware and software for people in need. These include screen magnifiers, screen readers and braille displays.

You can access more computer facilities and training courses provided by non-governmental organisations through the link below. These courses cover a range of subjects – from basic computing skills to more advanced software packages.