Bath & North East Somerset Council is installing
self-service technology in all public libraries this year.
Self-service equipment using RFID (Radio-Frequency ID) technology
will enable library users to easily borrow, renew and return items
as well as pay charges and check on items they have on loan.
June Brassington, the Council’s acting Library Services Manager,
said: "We are very excited about introducing self-service
technology to library customers. The equipment has already been
tried and tested in many other library services; it‘s very easy to
use and we want to reassure all our library users that our staff
will still be on hand to talk to and help anyone. In fact, staff
will be able to spend more time dealing with more complex enquiries
and helping customers find what they need."
Other local authorities around the country, such as Wiltshire,
Poole, Swindon and Cornwall are already using self-service library
equipment and receiving positive feedback from many customers about
the improvements to service. Stock security will also be improved
as extra security equipment will be installed.
Cllr David Hawkins, Council Cabinet Member for Libraries said:
"Bath & North East Somerset Council is committed to delivering
modern library facilities for all residents and the introduction of
this technology in libraries will bring benefits to our customers,
as well as improving the range of services that library staff will
be able to deliver."
In order to prepare for the introduction of self service
equipment all 192,000 items of stock are currently being given new
library tags over the next few months. This is being carried out
with no disruption to service.
Some libraries may need to close for short periods while the new
equipment is installed.
Customers will be given as much notice as possible of any
closures which will be kept to a minimum.
Due to staff training the following branches will be either
closed, or open for reduced hours, on the following dates:
Friday 4 July: Keynsham library hours will be 1.30pm to 7pm
Friday 11 July: Bath Central Library will be CLOSED all day
Tuesday 15 July: Midsomer Norton Library hours will be 1.30pm –
5pm
Tuesday 15 July: Radstock Library hours will be 2pm – 5pm
Some libraries will also need to close later in the year to
install the new kiosks. Bath Central Library will close for a week
from Monday 29 September to Sunday 5 October.
