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Thanks to those who responded to the request for information about free ATMs in libraries. There were no responses from anyone currently operating ATMs in library sites. We found that four authorities have actively investigated the possibility in the recent past - two have outstanding requests with banks for provision of machines. Response from banks to date has ranged from 'condescending' to being put on a waiting list with limited hope of a near future installation. Key issues to be resolved: * the distinction between banks' commercial interest and local authorities' reasons for doing this (social inclusion, economic development etc) need to be carefully delineated * costs - essential to nail down; one respondant commented on the impact installing an ATM could have on cost per visit and Audit Commission performance indicators * a strong approach from a number of authorities in partnership might be of more appeal to the banks - critical mass * while there is a feeling that banks are trying to be more socially inclusive - at least a token gesture of 600 'free' ATMs - hard evidence that their position is genuinely shifting is not yet available * approaches may need to be made by Council finance or regeneration officers (at senior level) as it was felt librarians may lack credibility in banks' view * how does this link to closure of post offices - if there is a role for libraries to take on some limited post office functions, eg selling stamps, issuing some key government documents or papers, would it be better to consider this all together or does that over-complicate the issue? We would be interested in taking this further, possibly in conjunction with Citizens' Advice Bureaux and others who have campaigned for the provision of banking services in deprived communities. If you would be interested in developing a common approach to banks from libraries please get in touch. Kind regards and happy new year to the list! Mike Clarke Director London Libraries Development Agency 35 St Martin's Street London WC2H 7HP Tel 020 7641 5244 Fax 020 7641 5266 Mobile 07879 424828 Email [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> Website www.llda.org.uk <http://www.llda.org.uk/> Find out what's going on in London's libraries www.londonlibraries.org.uk Original message: Colleagues an elected Member in one of our member authorities has approached me to enquire about whether any libraries have ATM cash machines on the premises. He is particularly interested in working in partnership with financial institutions to deliver basic banking services to communities who have none. I would be grateful for any experiences you've had of this - successful or not. Did the bank simply rent space that was independently accessible so that it made little impact on day to day library business? Did footfall to the library increase as a result of the ATM's presence? Were there any security issues for library staff or was this all handled by the financial institution? Did you charge 'rent', commission or a service charge? Was this a significant amount in terms of overall income for the library? Please note we're not at this stage interested in the installation of fee charging cash machines (such as the kind that have sprung up all over the place in convenience stores, pubs etc) - these provide quite a different service. You'll be aware that organisations like CAB have become increasingly concerned about the lack of non-charging ATMs in more deprived communities is disadvantaging already poor people, and with the idea that libraries might take on some basic post office functions in communities where the post office pulls out, this idea is pretty timely! If there is enough interest in this topic I will summarise responses for the list. Thanking you in advance. This message has been scanned for malware by SurfControl plc. www.surfcontrol.com