South Norfolk Libraries Self Service Improvements

This project introduced self-service technology at four of the libraries in South Norfolk, namely Costessey, Diss, Harleston and Loddon, which enables people to use the library outside of opening times. The technology allows the library service to automatically control and monitor building access, self-service kiosks, public access computers, lighting, alarms, public announcements, and customer safety.

This project allowed the libraries to increase their opening hours, making access to the library more convenient for current and new customers without an increase in staff costs.  This project offered a great opportunity for libraries to be accessible and relevant to more people.

The Greater Norwich Growth Board funded this project as it offered clear potential to provide additional access to community facilities for residents of Greater Norwich. The project had significant benefits:

• Increased opening hours at:
  • Diss, by 52% from 46.5 to 69 per week
  • Harleston, by 123% from 31 to 69 per week
  • Costessey, by 126% from 30.5 to 69 per week
  • Loddon, by 200% from 23 to 69 per week
• Halted a decline in numbers of loans
• Improvement in library usage across demographic groups, including Aspiring Homemakers
• 93% of local library customers felt the scheme was useful

Since the project, the range of activities held in the libraries has increased and feedback from customers about the extended opening hours has been positive, for example:

"It is a wonderful innovation. I use it a lot and am rarely on my own. It means we have library access every day. I hope there has been no misuse. I have a sense of being trusted in order to help everyone in these days of stretched budgets."