As promised I am posting a summary of the replies received.
Most of my contact came from other services asking for a summary (quite a
few of these), and in fact only two services have offered comments based on
practical experience. On balance, it looks as if the introduction of
Playstation games has not been a success although Ian Van Arkadie in Stoke
feels they have fulfilled a valuable role in changing public perceptions
about libraries.
George Kerr
Support Services Manager
West Lothian Council Library Service
Don't expect them to bring in masses of income. Whilst they do generate some
it's generally less
than CDs, Videos and DVDs. They do have an important role to play in
changing
public perceptions of the library service and in helping to get young people
through the door.
On a cautionary note, beware of theft. We had the entire collection stolen
from
one of our libraries despite the fact that they are stored behind the
counter
(a group of youths came in - one distracted the staff and so on.....)!
Find a member of staff who's into them and can recommend the best ones to
buy.
Alternatively get a few of the Gaming magazines or ask young people to
suggest
titles. Be warned - some games are covered by the Video Recordings Act
(depending on their content) and do carry a certificate (i.e. PG, 12, 15 or
18).
Ian Van Arkadie
Stoke on Trent
Sunderland libraries introduced playstations in 1998. We are now considering
removing them from stock,this should actually read what stock remains, as
the majority were stolen. They were borrowed on users tickets but were never
returned & most went to collection advice, a debt collection agency ,who
also failed in any attempts to recover them.
They may sound a popular method of income generation but be very wary.
Vivienne Foster
Manager City Library & Arts Centre
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