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The purpose of this paper is to discuss Hong Kong Baptist University Library's MyLibrary Calendar Project to streamline library‐patron communication and to strengthen the Library's publicity for its services, facilities and outreach activities.

The paper examines the application of an in‐house developed iCalendar Data Conversion Program and Innovative Millennium Patron API Form in this Project. The iCalendar Data Conversion Program extracts and converts data from library announcements, interlibrary loan and circulation records, library e‐mails and notices, and records of library facilities reservation to iCalendar format for dissemination to patrons. The Innovative Millennium Patron API Form, on the other hand, authenticates patrons' subscription to the services.

The project employs Web 2.0 technologies and social networking software such as iCalendar format, calendar applications, API and Google Calendar SMS notification option to publish, syndicate, and aggregate dynamic web content in a Library 2.0 model. It enables patrons to use their own personal calendar computer applications that support the open and standard iCalendar format as a one‐stop‐shop platform to automatically collect and manage library calendar events, library e‐mails and notices, and their own records of circulation, interlibrary loan and room reservation in an efficient and centralized channel.

MyLibrary Calendar is a unique Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 compliant tool. It enables patrons to collect and manage library events and their own library records systematically in their own calendar applications. This tool also facilitates the Library to proactively publicize its services and facilities effectively and to bring about a shift in power and new library‐patron relationship smoothly.

The aim of this paper is to discuss and analyze the efforts of Hong Kong Baptist University Library to create a virtual union catalog for dissertations and theses collections as a single search platform to retrieve the bibliographic records, abstracts and full‐texts of Hong Kong postgraduate students’ theses and dissertations from seven university library online public access catalogues (OPACs).

The paper examines the use of advanced keyword searching functionality in Innovative Interfaces’ Millennium system and Microsoft active server pages scripts to develop an original search engine to cross search the OPACs of Hong Kong university libraries.

Library searching is more than simply doing a Google search. Libraries do not need to depend on vendors of their library integration systems exclusively for enhancement in OPAC search functionality. Librarians can also take the initiative to maximize the searching capabilities and functionalities of their existing library integration systems, and design new search engines to facilitate patrons to use the OPACs more efficiently and effectively.

The paper discusses the creation of a unique platform, which is a free and valuable reference tool for scholars and researchers around the world to cross search the Hong Kong postgraduate students’ theses and dissertations. It also provides insights into how librarians can maximize the functionalities of library integration systems to enhance cross searching on OPACs.