New
Technology for Libraries?
WITH an
ambitious programme underway to redevelop 24 libraries in and around
Liverpool, Liverpool City Council has embraced 3M technology to help
meet the challenges of the 21st Century. Driven by Ron Travis,
(Liverpool City Council’s Customer Service Manager for Books and
Reading) the extensive renovations of Liverpool’s libraries are part
of the City Council’s effort to support the city’s highly regarded
position as European Capital of Culture 2008. By installing new
self-issue RFID solutions from diversified technology company 3M,
managers at the first 2 branch libraries to be refurbished talk
about how they have introduced a new way of working that allows
staff to spend more time with customers, work on displays and
events, and facilitate more training than ever before.
All change at Sefton Park Library, for the beautiful, Carnegie-built, Tudor-style library near
Liverpool’s leafy Sefton Park, the latest refurbishment is one of
many since it was built in 1911. After severe bomb damage was
repaired in the early 1940s, the library was extended in the 1960s
to incorporate a purpose-built children’s library and the main
library was refurbished again internally 15 years ago. 6 months of
closure between December 2005 and June 2006 has enabled a complete
overhaul for the historical library, including re-wiring,
re-plumbing, refurbishment of the original windows, a new
ergonomically-designed layout of bookshelves and desk, a DDA
compliant access ramp, a new kitchen and work room, new paintwork
throughout and an expanded ICT suite. To complete the new customer
offering, an R-Series RFID Self-Check station from 3M was positioned
centrally in the main library.
Forward-thinking library manager Jean Christopher played an
instrumental role in encouraging staff to make the new self-issue
system work for all concerned. Jean said:- “During the last
year RFID tagging and the 3M Self-Check system have dramatically
improved both our working day and our customers’ library
experiences. Before the system was installed, our main focus was
issuing books and keeping the shelves organised and tidy. Now we
don’t have a constant queue of people requiring us to issue their
books, we can get out from behind the desk and help customers choose
books, create exciting displays, locate and keep on top of the stock
easily and undertake training courses. In fact, thanks to the
benefits provided by 3M RFID technology, we have had the time to do
much more training here than any other Liverpool branch (that
doesn’t have self-issue).”
Explaining the hurdles she had to overcome in the beginning, Jean
said:- “The hardest part of making the system work for us was
enforcing a new regime. Our traditional routine had to change, and
our new focus was to meet and greet people, help them to use the
Self-Check machine if necessary, help people use the computers and
promote our services. An average of 500 people a day use this
library and from Day One, I was adamant that all books should be
issued at the self-issue station. All staff were instructed that
under no circumstances was anyone allowed to manually issue a book
that could be issued via the machine and that they should encourage
visitors to embrace the new system.” Jean continued:-
“The first three months were very busy, but we all remained
optimistic. We’ve certainly reaped what we’ve sewn – although our
days are still busy, they are value-added. The new technology has
provided us with a much more relaxed environment in which to work,
and has given us so much more time to enjoy the best aspects of
being a librarian. What’s more, library users love using the machine
– from its ease of use to the detailed borrowing lists it issues on
every transaction. “
Onwards and upwards for Old Swan - Liverpool’s first branch
library to install RFID
Having successfully implemented the 3M RFID Self-Check system at
Sefton Park Library, next on Jean’s wish-list is the 3M Digital
Library Assistant – in use for 18 months in conjunction with 3M
Self-Check machine at Liverpool’s Old Swan Library, another Carnegie
building. Here, according to Library Manager Pauline Scotland, the
switch to self-issue was plain sailing right from the start. Like
Jean, Pauline insisted that no books should be issued over the
counter, and for approximately 3 months, one member of staff was
dedicated to training people how to use the machine. “In real
terms, out of the 79,000 books we issue each year, we process 80-90%
through the 3M Self Check stations. Customer service has definitely
improved since its installation. Our library users have welcomed the
new system and our staff have much more fulfilling roles.”
The introduction of a hand-held 3M Digital Library Assistant (DLA)
at Old Swan Library has additional benefits, as Pauline explained:-
“The Digital Library Assistant instantly reads 3M RFID Tags
inserted into library materials, enabling whole shelves of media to
be identified by title, ID no. and/or author just by passing the
device in front of the spines of the books on the shelves. This
facilitates much quicker stock check, weeding, display creation and
frequency-of-issue checks of our stock of around 20,000 books.
Because it dramatically reduces time spent traditionally weeding,
sorting and locating stock, it enables staff to spend even more time
with customers or undertake other activities. It is a very useful
addition to an RFID self-issue system.”
A bright future for European Capital of Culture 2008
Echoing Carnegie’s legacy of self-improvement and enlightenment by
introducing new technology into traditional libraries, Liverpool
City Council is definitely brightening the future of libraries for
the European Capital of Culture 2008. Sharing new technology
experiences on a regular basis, Pauline and Jean agreed,
“Declining numbers of borrowers are a national problem. By moving
with the times and welcoming technology that is designed to improve
not only our working environment, but our customer offering is a way
forward in demonstrating to library users the changing attitude and
services of libraries. The systems offered by 3M have definitely
helped us to re-focus our attention on creating inviting
environments for people wanting to read, research, browse and borrow
audio and printed media or use the internet. As far as moving
libraries forward, Liverpool has got its act together! There is no
way we would go back to the old system now!”
Phil Farrell, Account Manager for 3M Library Systems added:-
“RFID technology is the fastest, easiest, most efficient way to
identify, locate, and manage library materials. It delivers quantum
leap gains in efficiency, productivity, staff comfort and, most
notably customer service, and so is generating great enthusiasm in
the library world. Ron Travis, Jean and Pauline are ambassadors of
how best to make RFID technology work to suit the needs of the
modern day library. We are delighted to have worked with them and
through further installations, hope we can continue to enhance more
of Liverpool’s libraries.”
3M – a leading supplier of technology solutions to libraries -
offers a wide range of options to suit all libraries, including RFID
systems, Self-Check systems, Tattle Tape Security Strips and
applications, detection systems and circulation accessories.
For
more information on how 3M can help transform your library, please
visit
website or
email.
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LENNON AND McCARTNEY STAGE
MUSEUM staff
reconstructing the iconic church hall stage where John Lennon met
Paul McCartney in 1957 want help from people who remember its
original appearance.
The stage from St Peter’s Church Hall, Woolton, Liverpool, will be a
major attraction in the new Museum of Liverpool opening in 2010. It
was acquired by National Museums Liverpool, with the help of
Liverpool City Council, when the church hall was renovated.
Before the stage can
be displayed, conservators need to return it to its original
appearance on the day of the church’s annual garden fete, Saturday 6
July 1957, when the historic meeting took place. There is very
little evidence about what it looked like when The Quarrymen skiffle
group, the first incarnation of The Beatles, performed on the
stage.
Paul McCartney was among spectators attending the event. A mutual
friend introduced him to John Lennon and Paul demonstrated his
singing and guitar skills. The Quarrymen were so impressed that they
later invited Paul to join the group. As John later famously
commented:- “That was the day, the day I met Paul, that it
started moving.”
Paul Gallagher, the Museum of Liverpool’s curator of contemporary
collecting, says:- “This stage is very significant in the
history of popular music. If John hadn’t met Paul that day there
could have been no Beatles or the international popularity of the
Liverpool sound which spearheaded a musical and social revolution.
Some major structural and decorative changes were made throughout
the life of the stage. We would like to know when these changes took
place in relation to 6 July 1957.
The stage has
been extended at the front and re-painted several times. We are keen
to hear from parishioners or club members who used the stage in the
1950s and 60s. It would be wonderful to hear from anyone who was
there when The Quarrymen performed. We are particularly keen
to speak to anyone with documentary evidence of the stage during
this period – old film or still photographs.”
Paul Gallagher can be contacted on 0151 478 4573 or by
email.
CHARITIES JOIN FORCES TO HELP PEOPLE WITH SEVERE MENTAL HEALTH
PROBLEM TO QUIT SMOKING
A widely
neglected group of smokers can now get more help to quit the habit.
People with severe mental health problems are among the most likely
groups to smoke and often get the least effective help to quit.
To mark World Mental Health Day, the Sainsbury Centre for Mental
Health and QUIT, the charity that helps smokers to stop, have come
together to offer smokers information and assistance that is
relevant to their needs. Funded by Cancer Research UK, a
special leaflet and dedicated helpline will offer smokers with
severe mental health problems advice that works for them. Produced
by experts, including people with mental health problems themselves,
the leaflet offers information and practical advice for those who
want to quit smoking. The leaflet is part of an 18-month pilot
programme that includes training for mental health practitioners in
smoking cessation advice and for QUIT telephone counsellors in
mental health awareness.
Linda Seymour, Sainsbury Centre head of policy, explained:-
“People with severe mental health problems can find giving up
smoking a real challenge. They don’t always get the informed help
and support they need. Mental health professionals and GPs are not
always knowledgeable enough about how to help this group to stop
smoking. The excessive levels of smoking among people with
mental health conditions exacerbate existing health inequalities for
an already disadvantaged group. High rates of smoking-related
illnesses such as heart disease contribute to people with
schizophrenia losing on average 10 years of life. Just under a
quarter of mental health trusts are already smoke-free, but a total
smoking ban will be implemented from July 2008. Unless people with
severe mental health problems get the support they deserve to stop
smoking, they will be further disadvantaged when the total bans come
into effect.”
Terri Forward, QUIT’s Smoking and Mental Health Project Manager
said:- “QUIT has taken action by responding to the urgent
needs of smokers with mental health conditions by developing a
ground breaking, pro-active, tailor made stop smoking service. The
charity is sharing their expertise to enable mental health workers
to provide sustainable support to this hard to reach group of
smokers and tobacco users.”
Support for families in Liverpool
A SCHEME to
change the behaviour of families at risk of losing their homes
because of their anti-social behaviour is being launched in
Liverpool.
As part of the RESPECT agenda, the city council has commissioned
NCH, the children’s charity, to tackle the root cause of anti social
behaviour by helping families work through their problems. NCH
has been chosen due to its strong track record in family
intervention projects. Recent research found that their approach can
turn anti-social behaviour around in eight out of 10 cases, with
significant cost savings to the taxpayer[1].
Through a combination of challenging and support to tackle the root
cause of anti-social behaviour, the project will help families work
through their problems. A team of seven staff are being recruited
and will go into the homes of families who are referred and it is
judged will benefit. The length of time a team member spends
with the family will depend upon the severity of the issues and how
long it takes to change the behaviour.
Around 30 families will be helped at any one time during the 4 year
project.
Councillor Colin Eldridge, Executive Member for Community Safety,
said:- “There are often very complex reasons why families are
causing problems for their neighbours and if we can resolve them it
benefits not only them but the whole community. It is
essential that we do all we can to get them to change their
behaviour and start contributing to society instead of disrupting
life for law abiding people.”
Carol Iddon, Deputy Director of Children’s Services for NCH North
West, said:- “We are very pleased to be launching this project
in partnership with Liverpool City Council. We know from
experience that most of the families we work with who have
deep-rooted problems don’t want to be living the way they are but
they don’t know how to turn things around. They need support that
can help guide them, not punishment to make them feel worse.
Empowering families by building confidence and skills, as well as
challenging bad behaviour, creates the positive change.”
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