(The Star; July 7, 2011)

KUCHING: Borrowing books from the State Library is much easier now with the U-Library integrated portal.

The Ubiquitous Library or U-Library project which commenced two months ago lends books online or delivers to homes via Pos Laju at a subsidised charge.

All MyKad holders can log into the portal and register to use the service.

After registeration, the users can access the portal's features such as book search and discussion forums.

The book search is done through title, subject, author, publisher or publication year and the books can borrowed from any of eight libraries in the system. Registered members can also reserve books and pick them up at the counter.

Home delivery by courier service in Sarawak is within 7 days at RM4 one way or RM7 return.

Delivery within five days is available at RM8.50 one way and payments can be done online via MEPS, Touch n Go and Quik2Go.

Other than the State Library in Kuching and Miri library, the online system includes the National Library of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur Library, Institut Tadbiran Awam Negara Library and the State Libraries of Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang.

State Library Acting Chief Executive, Japri Bujang Masli encouraged members of the public to use the portal for faster and easier borrowing. He said the system might be linked to local council libraries as well when more people used the portal.

The U-Library is a collaborative effort of the Information, Communications and Culture Ministry, Communications and Multimedia Malaysia and National Library of Malaysia.

To start borrowing online, visit www.u-library.gov.my

Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) recently briefed some 50 members of the Kuching Division Journalists Association on the portal's features during a study tour and workshop conducted by the library.