Smart library change coming
LOUGHBOROUGH, Shepshed and Birstall libraries are among 14 in the county which are to be converted into ‘Smart Libraries’.
But the move is likely to see a reduction in staffed hours at the libraries and when work gets underway at Loughborough’s library later this year it will see the site closed for seven weeks, while Shepshed’s library is expected to be out of action for two weeks.
Self-access technology will see extended opening hours, meaning people who are members of the library service will be able to enter the library and use the facilities, using their access card to enter the building at times when there are no staff on site.
Book groups, and other community groups are also able to use the space during library-plus hours. Anyone wishing to set up a community group can use the library as a meeting space within smart library hours.
The move follows a trial at Syston Library which ran from early 2017.
Richard Blunt, county council cabinet member for libraries, said: “To begin with, the self-access technology will be operational outside of staffed hours, but due to the demands on the council’s budgets we will be looking at reducing staffed hours in libraries. Details on this won’t be clear until we’ve engaged with the public and determined the opening arrangements for each library.
“Having self-access technology in libraries across Leicestershire gives residents more choice of when they are able to visit the libraries catering for a much wider audience.
“We’ll be talking to local library users so that they can have their say on when self-access works best for them.”
Community engagement will be taking place at each library ahead of their move to Smart Libraries. Library users will have an opportunity to sign up to Smart Libraries, comment on proposed staffed times and find out more about setting up community groups within the library.