Library self-service will not cost jobs, claims council (From Essex County Standard)

Library self-service will not cost jobs, claims council

6:01pm Monday 13th August 2012 in News By James Cox

SELF-SERVICE machines in libraries will not cost staff their jobs, a council has claimed.

New high-tech terminals were installed in Colchester library between July 25 and 27.

But Essex Council said they have not been introduced to replace employees.
 

They replaced nine-year old computers that the authority claims were at the end of their lifecycle.

The new machines accept payment for fines and charged items as well as traditional functions such as lending out and returning books.

Kate Wilde, Essex council account executive, said: “They cannot be used to reserve books or other items.

“Staffing levels are not affected by the installation of the new machines.
“Essex Council is determined to make libraries the hubs of communities where a variety of services can be accessed and an assortment of community organisations can be hosted.”

Colchester library currently has 21 full time employees.

Essex Council refused to reveal how much the machines had cost.

A spokesman said: “That information is considered commercially sensitive.”