Ciara,
Blackburn Central Library re-opened after major refurbishment in April of
this year. Part of the refurb included the introduction of 4 self-issue
terminals, 3 on our ground floor(which includes all adult lending stock,
info and a quick choice area), and 1 in our children's library.
Our objective of introducing self-issue terminals was to increase opening
hours. We used this opportunity to look at all services and their delivery,
and changes to the physical environment in the library were matched by
changes in staff processes and procedures.
Initially, we did have some teething problems with self-issue, but these
were all technical e.g. we're still having some problems pulling off
management information from the terminals. We have worked closely with
Plescon, and changes to the system have been made.
In terms of % of total book issues, up to September of this year we were
hovering around 12% of total book issues at the Central Library. Our target
is much higher (30%), and staff are currently addressing this.
With hindsight, use of self-issue may have taken off more if the launch of
the terminals didn't coincide with the re-opening of the Central Library as
a whole - the initiative was perhaps 'dwarfed' by other major changes, such
as new layout of stock, new media area etc.
Hope this is helpful - please contact me if you need any further info,
Susan Law
Head of Library and Information Services
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Tel: 587906
email [log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: Ciara Eastell [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 31 October 2003 12:52
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Take-up of self-issue facilities
I would be interested to hear from authorities who have experience of self-
issue facilities. I'm particularly interested to find out percentages of
total issues which have been handled via self-issue. Also it would be
helpful to know what approaches authorities have taken to the efficiencies
they have been able to achieve as a result. Have staff been redirected
into other, more proactive activities? Indeed, have authorities been able
to quantify any efficiencies they've been able to realise through the
introduction of self-issue?
Thanks in anticipation of your help.
Ciara
Ciara Eastell
Principal Assistant County Librarian
Somerset Libraries Arts and Information
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