Libraries in Cornwall are entering a new and exciting high tech era with the installation of self service equipment. The new equipment will enable customers to issue and return books, CDs and DVDs themselves.
The company Intellident has been selected to supply and install the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in 19 of its 32 libraries.
Eric Brooke (Lib Dem), Executive Member for Community Services said:
The introduction of the technology will provide better customer service, by freeing staff to focus on providing information and support, improve efficiency and reduce costs, at the same time as bringing libraries into the 21st century”
The self service machines will allow customers to:
- Check out their own books and other items;
- Pay hire charges for CD’s and DVD’s etc;
- Check their loans and renew them;
- Return items;
- Pay overdue charges
“The machines are easy to use; there will be clear step by step instructions and a member of staff will always be near by to help with enquiries or requests for books” said Head of Libraries Chris Ramsey
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He cont: The roll-out to libraries will commence in September 2007, with the final library installation completed early in the New Year”
The libraries where the new technology will be introduced are:
Bodmin, Bude, Callington, Camborne, Falmouth, Hayle, Helston, Launceston, Liskeard, Looe, Newquay, Penzance, Redruth, Saltash, St Austell, St Ives, Torpoint, Truro and Wadebridge.
The libraries will need to close for a few days to install the new equipment. Customers should look out for notices giving the closure dates.
Eric Brooke added: “We hope that when the new facilities are implemented all our customers will immediately experience the benefits of self service”
Darren Ratcliffe, Smart Media Director of Intellident added: “Cornwall represents a significant milestone in the deployment of RFID solutions in UK libraries as they are the first authority to announce the mass deployment of the technology across a whole county from day one. We look forward to welcoming Cornwall as new customer and long term partner of the company”.
If anyone has any questions about the new library self service and how it could affect them please call: 01872 322 005
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