Friday 28th May 2010 - Published by Lara Page - Account Manager
MERTHYR TYDFIL LIBRARIES INSTALL ‘BABY’ SELF SERVICE UNITS TO IMPROVE SERVICES
Public libraries in a Welsh town have installed desktop self-service units nicknamed ‘Baby’ to assist users.
Merthyr Tydfil public libraries already had three 'Baby' self-service units; but have now added a further three with a fines payment facility. One of the libraries now using the units had previously closed on Tuesdays yet now the new units allow library users to return or take books out and pay any fines incurred. The ‘Baby’ units are safe and secure, removing problems related to cash being on site and providing library users with a more flexible service.
The ‘Baby’ is the product name for the 2CQR desktop self-service unit chosen for its small size and the fact that it is highly portable. The ‘Baby’ can be set up specifically for each library’s requirements and used to display information, check books in or out and to pay any outstanding fines.
Vicky Mitchell - Community and resources librarian said “It wasn't just about price in selecting 2CQR to work with; we wanted good looking, modern and easy to use self service units.”
Merthyr Tydfil public libraries expect that the units will allow libraries to open longer and be more convenient to use.
The installation of the new ‘Baby’ units has many advantages including:
• Easy to Use
• Touch-screen
• Reduces queues
• Extends opening hours
• Fines payment facility
• Machines can take payment securely
Library staff are confident that the new units will prove to be an asset and improve services for library users. The self-service option also allows library users to borrow books that, for some reason, may be embarrassing to check out in the traditional manner e.g. diet books, information on head lice etc. The new ‘Baby’ self service units allow library users to keep their reading habits private whilst still accessing library books in an easy and convenient way.
Merthyr Tydfil Public Libraries installation of self service units - a pr2go story
