|
|
 |
| |
Librarians set to be stamped out?
Jobs fears over high-tech libraries plan
A FUTURISTIC makeover for Camden’s libraries will see traditional front-counters and inky rubber stamps replaced by “information plinths” and “roaming librarians”.
Leisure chiefs confirmed on Tuesday night that high-tech changes are due to be brought in over the next 18 months. But they were warned that the “de-humanising” plans risk damaging the relationship between staff and book borrowers.
Lib Dem councillor Flick Rea, the council’s head of libraries Mike Clarke, and department director Fiona Dean, set out their vision for a modern library service to a deserted Holborn library in Theobald’s Road.
Emphasising the difficulties libraries face, only a handful of people turned out to the annual meeting of the Camden Public Library Users Group (C-Plug) to hear about the new technology.
It will involve the introduction of a service known as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), replacing front-counters with self-service machines like those kind already seen in supermarkets.
Meanwhile, “information plinths” will allow library users to approach a member of staff for help.
Cllr Rea said: “This great move forward is an extremely exciting technological advance. Costs will come down and it releases staff to do more interesting things than stamping books. They can walk around libraries and talk to users, suggest books.”
Camden Council are developing a plan called Growing Your Library, which outlines their proposals to bring in more users and reach out to those who have never set foot in their local library.
Mr Clarke and C-Plug chairman Alan Templeton agree technology must be part of the future, but there are concerns that as computers move in, some users may be left behind.
Holborn librarian and Unison trade union steward Claire Marriott warned the changes were “dehumanising” while Highgate librarian Jonathan Marsh, also Unison steward, said: “There’s a social side to bringing in RFID, if people are doing things independently. The idea that we just stand at the counter stamping books, I would say its like standing at a fence talking to a neighbour. There’s a huge danger that will get lost.”
Librarians fear savings will be made in staff numbers and Mr Clarke was unable to assure them jobs would not go.
Enid Evans, of the Friends of Highgate Library group, said: “In trying to get new people into the library it’s important to keep an eye on the future and try them out, but you risk losing the hardcore you’ve already got.” |
 |
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
