Self-service machines that allow customers to check their books in and out have now been installed at Stone library.
The library was closed on Monday and Tuesday this week to allow the two kiosks to be installed, with their first use by customers taking place today. Customers can check books in and out using the kiosks, as well as paying fines.
Caroline Blundell, library development officer for the Stafford district at Staffordshire County Council, stressed today that the library’s staff had not been replaced by machines.
She said: “They are not intended to replace staff at all. All the staff will still be working in the library and there will still be a manned desk. They’ll be on hand to help anyone who needs help using the kiosks and, for anyone who struggles to use the machines because of disabilities, for instance, books can be checked out or returned in the normal way. Staff will also be there to advise customers, help with research and so on.
“We had lovely compliments at the library this morning from a range of age groups. Children in particular seem really impressed with the new machines. They add to the library experience and bring us right into the 21st century.”
Have you used the new kiosks yet? What do you think of them?
1 comment
Nick Gumbley
The librarians, are the most important part of Stone Library, and must be kept at all costs. I have never yet met a machine that you can have a conversation with,give information to tourists and visitors to the town, tell you the name of an author, or recommend a book. Sounds like “technology” just for the sake of it.