Sea Mills Library is latest to book into self-service technology

Library users at Sea Mills library will soon be able to serve themselves using the latest ‘self-service’ technology when the equipment goes live on Thursday, February 23, 2012.

The introduction of self-service scanners at Sea Mills Library marks the near completion of the council’s pledge to invest nearly £650,000 in local libraries. Once completed, 19 of the council’s 28 libraries will have the self-service equipment.

The introduction of self-service scanners to issue and discharge items has proved popular with both library users, with records showing across all participating libraries there is an average of 86 per cent of all issues going through the self service machines. And staff have benefited too, as they are now able to focus on those customers who need extra support to fully access library services.

“We have had an excellent response to our investment in self-service technology at local libraries,” says Cllr Simon Cook, Bristol’s deputy leader and executive member for culture. “The roll-out of the self-service programme is almost complete and users are delighted with the ease of checking out and returning items. Staff have benefited too, with the chance to move away from routine tasks to working more closely with customers by responding directly to individual needs.”

Marilyn Carter, from Henbury who had previously been unsure about using the new system, said: "It’s just so convenient, I walk in, return my books and there is always somebody on hand if I have a problem."

· Bristol’s introduction of self-service technology is in line with other local authorities who are members of the Library West Consortium - and who have already successfully implemented self-service kiosks.