A self-service system is being launched at major Leicestershire libraries, to speed-up transactions and release more staff to help users.
The easy-to-use kiosks will be installed at 16 libraries, with Earl Shilton being the first to be installed in October and which will be officially launched by Roger Wilson, Chairman of Leicestershire County Council on Thursday 3rd December at 10am.
Ernie White, Cabinet Member for Libraries, said: “This is all about making the service quicker and easier for users and enabling staff to help people around the library, instead of being confined to a desk.
“I know some people don’t like using self-service checkouts in supermarkets, but the library kiosks are much simpler – you can scan all your books at the same time, simply by putting them on the kiosk
“Several other councils, including Northamptonshire and Norfolk, already use self service and public feedback has been very positive.”
The machines enable people to:
- Borrow and return books, CDs and DVDs
- Pay for any transactions, such as DVD hire fees and fines
- Carry out their business whenever the library is open, instead of when a member of staff is available
A total of 28 kiosks will be installed at Leicestershire’s seven major libraries and nine shopping centre libraries, between now and March 2010.
Library service desks will be replaced by a smaller help desk, where staff provide assistance. Other staff will be able to “walk the floor” and help visitors to choose books or answer queries. Removing the main desks will also free up more space for displays or browsing areas.
The move will save around £350,000. A total of 19 library posts, out of more than 400, will go through staff turnover.
Background notes:
Libraries due to receive the machines, between October this year and March next year, are: Earl Shilton; Coalville; Lutterworth; Loughborough; Ashby; Blaby; Birstall; Hinckley; Glenfield; Broughton; Shepshed; Melton; Wigston; Syston; Oadby; Harborough.
Libraries across Leicestershire are seeing an increase in visitors as the UK finds itself in a recession. Traditionally, people turn to public libraries during hard economic times – for cheaper entertainment, to help with employment, for free access to computers and to help them save money and be ‘greener’ by borrowing free books rather than buying.
Leicestershire Libraries have seen vast improvements recently as part of the £8 million transformation programme and staff are inviting the public to step into their local library to discover all the up to date services and facilities available for no or little cost.
Visitors will be supported by libraries over the coming months in their health, wellbeing, career prospects, lifestyle and general enjoyment.
www.leics.gov.uk/Libraries