Online reference service could save £1m
England’s libraries could save up to £1 million through a new online reference facility launched by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA).
Reference Online is aimed at England’s 149 public authorities and provides library managers with access to a range of online resources.
In all the system provides 26 products, including encyclopaedias, dictionaries, directories, newspapers and business information.
The aim of the system is to generate cost savings by streamlining the provision of online services to libraries.
Traditionally, library managers would have to have negotiated the costs of online resources individually or in small local consortia.
But MLA claims that by undertaking this work on behalf of all libraries, it has reduced the overall cost of the process.
It has negotiated deals with 14 separate suppliers, and the organisation hopes this could save libraries up to 50 per cent on the cost of some titles.
MLA head of library policy, John Dolan, said: “In order for public libraries to streamline and improve services, collaboration is essential. Reference Online is just one of the ways that MLA is supporting libraries in becoming better businesses and helping to transform libraries for the 21st century. Making the most of this fantastic opportunity will free up the time of library staff and release funds for other resources.”
MLA is also working with PriceWaterhouseCoopers to develop new procurement processes to improve the efficiency of the way in which public libraries obtain their stock.