Library changes: Machines will lengthen queues (From Harrow Times)

Library changes: Machines will lengthen queues

10:41am Friday 20th August 2010 in

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I concur with the points made by Mike Robinson and former councillor Jeremy Zeid in regard to the council’s new proposal to introduce new automated machines across all libraries in Harrow (‘Library cutbacks’, Your Views, August 12).

The council argues that the installation of these new supermarket-style self-service checkouts will provide a faster service for customers, while also cutting staff to save money. But where these automated self-service machines have been installed elsewhere, the reports I have heard are that customers do not like using these self-issue points. In Camden where they have been installed in 11 libraries along with information pods at a cost of £1.5 million, I have been reliably informed by people who work in two different libraries that queues have increased as a result.

It is not a substitute for staff and these machines will not be easy for people with disabilities to use.

What justification in a period of cuts can there be for such an expensive and frivolously considered investment which promises so little?

The excessive cost of installing these new machines will include the cost of renovation to accomodate them into libraries already squeezed for space.

Mark Simon Brown, Belmont Road, Harrow