Press Release, Singapore, 18 October 2001

NLB Offers Mobile Service via SMS for Convenience and Accessibility

  1. Singapore, 18 October 2001 - Starting today, on-the-go, mobile-toting Singaporean library members who are also eLibraryHub members can enjoy the added convenience of carrying out library transactions anytime, anywhere at their finger tips without accessing their computer and via Internet connection.

  2. The National Library Board (NLB) signs a Memorandum of Understanding today with mPayment and StarHub for this Mobile Service via SMS. This service make use of the Mobile Short Message Service (SMS) technology, which enables library members to send a simple formatted SMS to retrieve details of their library account or perform library transactions such as renewals or making payments - from the convenience of their handphone. Library members will also be able to receive timely reminder alerts before their borrowed books are due.

  3. The offering of this latest SMS service is part of NLB's initiatives to provide conveniences to facilitate lifelong learning and build knowledge-ware. Its recent launch of eLibraryHub on 7 Sep offers library members a convenient and easily accessible digital library of rich resources for self-improvement, business decision and edutainment.

  4. According to the statistics from the InfoComm Development Authority of Singapore (iDA), there are more than 3 millions mobile phone subscribers in Singapore, the reminder alert function of Mobile Services via SMS will help library members, who are frequently on the move, to cut down their overdue fines.

  5. Said, Mr Lau Kai Cheong, Deputy Director, Info Systems & Network; "The NLB always strives to bring the best in advanced technology to enhance our user's library-going experience. This Mobile Service via SMS will be a boon to busy Singaporeans as we provide essential library services at their finger-tips. We are pleased with the quality and functionalities of mPayment's and StarHub products, and the service attitude and delivery of the two partners in undertaking the deployment and integration work."

  6. Added Mr Seah Moon Ming, Chairman, mPayment, "We are honoured that National Library Board has selected our mLibraryTM product, to deliver this value-added service to its 1.86 million library members. mLibraryTM is a world-first mobile library service and payment product that will be fully deployed "live" at NLB. It delivers to NLB library members the convenience of instant status enquiry and alerts, loan renewals, and where there are outstanding fine payments, to pay the fines before renewing a loan ---- all done by sending a simple SMS using any mobile phone."

  7. "StarHub is very excited about the idea of delivering NLB's Mobile Services via SMS to all library members in Singapore. It is certainly an idea that will become a popular addition to the much-loved SMS e-lifestyle of the new Singapore generation," commented Mr Henry Lim, Chief Financial Officer of StarHub. "Our goal has always been to provide innovative solutions that will enhance consumer choice and their quality of life. We are indeed privileged to be working with NLB in ushering a time-honoured institution like the public library, into the age of mobile communications."
  8. To use this Mobile Service via SMS, NLB library members must be registered members of the eLibraryHub (www.elibraryhub.com). Members just have to provide details like their mobile phone number and the preference of reminder period (number of days prior to due date).

  9. There is an annual service fee of $5 for this value-added library service. (During the promotional launch period, members who sign up will enjoy free usage till 31 December 2001) The annual service fee will apply from 1 January 2002, and members have to re-activate the service.

  10. With the convenience brought about by integrating the eLibraryHub's prepaid account with the Mobile Service via SMS, members can choose to make payments of their outstanding fees/fines via SMS anywhere, anytime. They can choose to pay from their prepaid account or using any payment method available on eLibraryHub such as NETS CashCard, Credit Cards and Debit Card

About National Library Board
The National Library Board (NLB) was established on 1 Sep 1995 with the mission to continuously expand the learning capacity of the nation through a network of borderless libraries and information resources providing services and learning opportunities to support the advancement of Singapore. Its service philosophy is aimed at ensuring a convenient, accessible, affordable and usable service to the public. It has innovatively exploited technology to enhance its services and operations thereby creating an enriching experience for the user. The Board oversees the management of the National Library at Stamford Road, two Regional Libraries, 18 Community Libraries, 45 Community Children's Libraries. Through these libraries and those of its partners, the NLB ensures that users have access to a rich array of information services to support lifelong learning. More information on NLB can be found on www.nlb.gov.sg

About eLibraryHub
The eLibraryHub is a one-stop integrated digital library that offers users - individuals, businesses and community groups - a "personalized" experience of having a library of their own. It provides immediate reach to a vast collection of information resources from libraries as well as leading content providers such as Reuters, Lexis-Nexis, Netlibrary, amongst many others. Information covers e-books, journals, reports and specialised fields of interest to fulfill the informational needs of users. These reports are available at low subscription fees and through a single point of access, anywhere. Payment for these materials can be made via CashCards, major Credit Cards and prepaid accounts through a secure online interface. Users can search, organize and stock up resources according to their preference for navigation, look and feel, and interests. Relevant information is identified and presented to the users when they access the library. The eLibraryHub is also part of iDA's eCitizen portal (www.eCitizen.gov.sg), an integrated portal for all government services catered for the convenience of the public.

For more information, please contact:

Ms Iris Tham
Corporate Communications Division
National Library Board
DID: 332-3364
Fax: 332-3611
Email: Iris_THAM@nlb.gov.sg

Ms Shen Jegathesan
Vice-President, Business Development
mPayment Pte Ltd
DID: 322-3761
Fax: 227-9013
Email: shen@airgateway.com

Mr Michael Sim
Corporate Communications
StarHub Pte Ltd
DID: 825-5188
Fax: 721-5015
Email: michaelsim@starhub.com.sg
 

 
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