Information on Loughborough

Self Service at Birstall Library

Posted on 30/11/2009

Leicestershire Councty Council Community Services

12 November 2009

Self Service at Birstall Library

Self-service machines are being launched at Birstall library on Monday, 14th December, to allow people to borrow and return books, CDs and DVDs quickly and easily.

Therefore, Birstall will remain closed from week beginning 7th December to make the relevant changes.

Ernie White, Cabinet member for libraries at Leicestershire County Council, said: “The self-service machines will make the service quicker and easier for users and enable staff to help people around the library, instead of being confined to a desk.

“I know some people don’t like using self-service checkouts in supermarkets, but the library machines are much simpler – you can scan all your books at the same time, simply by putting them on the machine. And you can still get help from a member of staff if you wish.”

Features at Birstall library include:

  • Self-service machines, which allow people to borrow and return books, CDs and DVDs, quickly and easily
  • An extensive range of books, DVDs and music CDs and newspapers and magazines
  • Comfortable seating, with special areas for children and for teenagers
  • Free use of computers and internet access

Regular activities will resume as normal.

Media opportunity:

Any member of the press interested in attending can contact the press office on 0116 305 7046. You are welcome to try out the new library machines.

Background:

  • Self-service machines enable people to:
  • Borrow and return books, CDs and DVDs
  • Pay for any transactions, such as DVD hire fees and fines
  • Carry out their business whenever the library is open, instead of when a member of staff is available

Key facts about self-service:

  • A total of 28 machines will be installed at Leicestershire’s seven major libraries and nine shopping centre libraries, between now and March 2010
  • Library service desks will be replaced by a smaller help desk, where staff provide assistance
  • Other staff will “walk the floor” and help visitors to choose books or answer queries
  • Removing the main desks will free up more space for displays or browsing areas
  • The move will save around £350,000 – a total of 19 library posts, out of more than 400, will go through staff turnover
  • Libraries due to receive the machines are : Earl Shilton; Coalville; Lutterworth; Loughborough; Ashby; Blaby; Birstall; Hinckley; Glenfield; Broughton; Shepshed; Melton; Wigston; Syston; Oadby; Harborough.