Information on Loughborough

Self-service at Melton Library

Posted on 20/01/2010

Leicestershire Councty Council Community Services

15 January 2010

Self-service at Melton Library

Self-service machines are being launched at Melton Mowbray Library on Tuesday 9 February, to allow people to borrow and return books, CDs and DVDs quickly and easily.

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 Melton Mowbray 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 and for teenagers
  • Free use of computers and internet access

Regular activities include:

  • Twice weekly Wriggly Reader sessions for under 5s
  • Monthly family history surgery
  • Readers and writers group

Melton Mowbray library will be closed Monday 1 February until Tuesday 9 February while the self-service kiosks are installed

http://www.leics.gov.uk/melton_library

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.