Successful self-service

At Opening the Book we understand that simply installing the appropriate technology for self-service does not guarantee success. It is the location, the stock management processes built around it and the attitudes of the staff which will make it sink or swim.

Our understanding of how customers behave in library spaces and our knowledge of library work processes help us create self -service systems that work for both staff and users.

In our refurbishment of Ashford Library in Surrey, the positioning of the self-service system was a key element. This, together with the subsequent training and support of staff in the library, has helped Ashford Library to achieve around 95% of transactions passing through self-service.

Since then we have worked with most of the major self-service suppliers and with both barcode and RFID systems to create well-positioned, attractive and functional self-service units. We are committed to self-service as it offers readers more privacy and it frees staff to spend more time off-counter.

3M system at Mowbray Gardens Library, Rotherham

Axiell DS system at Wallingford Library, Oxfordshire

D-Tech ICE self-service mid-floor at Chadderton

D-Tech ICE self-service with returns bay at Chadderton

Self-service at Yate

Intellident in children's at Yate

Child using self service at Ashford library, Surrey

Child using self service at Ashford library, Surrey

Young borrower using self service at Ashford Library, Surrey

Self-service adapted to suit a small space at Deanshanger Library, Northamptonshire

Library design