Rashidah (centre) and others hold up BookBear posters at the press conference. — Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: The State Library is launching an online book borrowing app named ‘BookBear’ starting today.
The app can be found on Google Play Store or Apple Store by searching ‘angkasa.sa2’. The public can search for books via Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) and share the selected books details with Pustaka’s WhatsApp number 013-8044220 (Kuching) or 011-58820533 (Miri), said its chief executive officer Dr Rashidah Bolhassan.
“Please indicate your name, address and preferred pick-up or delivery time. Notification will be sent through WhatsApp,” she told a press conference at the library yesterday.
The books will be sent by Bookbear but the borrowers will be tasked with returning the books themselves.
Registration for Bookbear is free and limited to 14 books at any one time with delivery within 20km of the library, she said.
“The objective of BookBear is to allow effective lending of books during the recovery movement control order (RMCO) and users have access to the state library’s collection.
“It is also to familiarise users with the new normal practice.”
She added that this service is available as the libraries are not open to the public until further notice.
However, the State Library park and jogging track are open to the public who have to adhere to the standard operating procedures from the health ministry by keeping one metre apart.
The library also launched Pustaka Sarawak Channel on YouTube to show the library’s programmes and activities to encourage the public to continue reading, optimise information and communication technology potential as well as inculcate lifelong learning culture to attain knowledge.
“As a start, the channel will be live for two hours a day, and special programmes will take priority as needed like the International Archives Week on June 8-14.”
After the presentation, Rashidah handed over ‘Pustaka in a Box’ to 10 schools represented by Sariah Mos from the state education ministry. The joint initiative with the American Corner Sarawak gives schools without internet access various American education resources offline.
She explained that the box uses a Raspberry Pi device and only needs a smartphone, tablet or computer as a medium.
The recipients are SK Kpg Rembus Samarahan, SK Tanjung Apong Samarahan, SK Raso Lundu, SK St James Rayang Padawan, SK Lubok Bunting Simunjan, SK Telagus Jerok Simunjan, SK Kujang Sain Serian, SK Tepoi Serian, SK Stass Bau and Puak Bau.
Also present were deputy chief executive officer (Services) Arpah Adenan and deputy chief executive officer (Operations) Japri Bujang Masli.