Chester Library to pilot new hi-tech self-service system

Sep 8 2009 Chester Chronicle

CHESTER Library is to install new technology which will create a self service for all users.

Library stock will be given a Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) tag which will allow people to issue their own books, CDs, DVDs, “talking books” and language courses.

There will also be a new space for young people, with comfy seating and headphones to listen to music while choosing which CD to rent.

To implement this new technology the library is to close between October 1 and 31 so that tags can be placed in each item. At the same time new counters, furniture, lighting and carpets will be installed and walls painted.

“These RFID chips are really the way of the future,” says Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Culture and Recreation Executive Member Councillor Richard Short.

“They can also be used to track any item in the library building so that no stock should be mislaid.

“And in the future the RFID system will be used when books are transferred from one library to another to speed up the time ordering books.

“This is the first step of introducing the RFID system to our library network and other libraries will also have the technology installed in the future.”

The new system makes it much quicker to issue and return books and multimedia. There will always been a member of staff on duty to assist customers who are unfamiliar with self-service.

During the closure of Chester Library, staff will be offering a reduced service at an alternative location. Details are to be confirmed.

Library facilities are also available at Hoole, Lache, Blacon, Upton and Great Boughton.

More than 286,000 books have been issued at Chester library over a 12 month period, as well as 19,000 dvd films and 6,895 talking books.