Information on Loughborough

Self-service at Syston Library

Posted on 04/01/2010

Leicestershire Councty Council Community Services

4 January 2010

Self-service at Syston Library

Self-service machines are being launched at Syston Library on 8 March 2010 to enable people to borrow and return books, CDs and DVDs quickly and easily.

To allow for installation of these exciting new additions Syston Library will be closed from Monday 1 March for seven days until it reopens with the new self service kiosk and a new library layout on Monday 8 March.

Ernie White, Cabinet member for libraries, 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 Syston 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
  • Comfortable seating, with special areas for children
  • Free use of computers and internet access

Regular activities include:

  • Wriggly Reader sessions for families and young children
  • Chatter books reading groups for children
  • Reading groups for adults

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
  • The 16 libraries receiving self service kiosks are Earl Shilton; Coalville; Lutterworth; Loughborough; Ashby; Blaby; Birstall; Hinckley; Glenfield; Broughton; Shepshed; Melton; Wigston; Syston; Oadby; Harborough.