Dear Michael,
I've seen this correspondence today, and am quite fascinated by it. I am a
cultural consultant working from my office at home, so I am a "library user"
rather than a "library service supplier".
The Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library has recently introduced self
service terminals for all book issues and returns. These are my preferred
means of issuing and returning because I can avoid queues at the staffed
desks. The system provides me with a receipt for all transactions,
including returns. I think this is an improvement on the previous staffed
system with a date stamp. The stock seems to be lasting longer at a high
physical quality as well, as the books are not forcibly opened to apply a
date stamp.
My advice is to take the plunge.
Best wishes
Hilary
_________________________________
Hilary Hammond, O.B.E, F.L.A.,
Managing Partner
Hilary Hammond - Cultural Consultancy
1 Beech Drive, Strumpshaw ,
Norwich, Norfolk
NR13 4AF
Tel/fax. (+44) (0) 1603 717750
email [log in to unmask]
----- Original Message -----
From: michael.tidd <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, January 17, 2002 9:53 AM
Subject: Re: Date stamps
There seem to be two separate asects being considered here -
the usefulness of date labels to library staff (mainly
those who are higher up the system, and who are
interested in the stats, etc.) and the
usefulness/requirements of the reader. I am personally
more interested in the latter.
What are those branches/authorities who have stopped/reduced
date stamping finding is the feedback from library-users?
Are the front-line staff finding an increasing number of
disgruntled/confused/unhappy readers? Has anybody asked
the public what they think?
Michael
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