Library self-service saves £300,000 in staff costs

Libraries in Worcestershire have saved more than £300,000 in staff costs through a new opening-hours scheme.

Libraries Unlocked extends opening hours using self-service technology, allowing members to access libraries when staff are not present.

The scheme is now operating at 11 of the county's 23 libraries, according to papers considered by a council panel.

Head of library services Carol Brown said some customers still preferred more staffed opening hours, adding: "We know it's not everyone."

Libraries Unlocked allows people who complete an induction to upgrade their membership for free to access services from 0800 to 2000 Monday to Saturday.

This model was being considered for Wythall Library, with discussions under way with Woodrush High School, a council report said.

It will not be introduced at Alvechurch, Bewdley or Hagley libraries.

Private finance initiative costs, a lack of landlord approval and a low return on investment, respectively, have prevented plans from progressing at the sites.

County council cabinet member for communities Josh Robinson thanked library staff and said libraries had a "really important role across Worcestershire".

Panel chair Marcus Hart said he had been the cabinet member when Libraries Unlocked launched and was pleased to see it "go from strength to strength".

Brown, who spoke at a council corporate and communities overview and scrutiny panel meeting, said the programme had "met its objective of increasing library opening hours".

She stated: "We delivered just over £300,000 of staff savings through Libraries Unlocked and now 11 of Worcestershire's 23 libraries have a service model in place that will help to futureproof them against continuing financial pressures."

Brown said library managers were working with schools and colleges, attending freshers' fairs, "selling the value of the library to engage young kids" and particularly targeting the 13-17 age group.

"As a result of this activity they are definitely seeing an increase.

"More kids are definitely coming in to use libraries pre-exams."

Library bosses said they were launching a new advertising campaign, starting in Kidderminster, aimed at non-library users and showing that libraries were "more than just books".

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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