In April 2006, opening hours were reduced by a third to enable the service to live within its budget allocation. Feedback from customers and from the Adult Public Library Survey in Autumn 2006, showed that this was not popular with customers and comments about the opening hours were the largest specific subject in the survey. During 2007/08 we considered ways of putting back some opening hours while remaining within budget.
We were able to increase hours by introducing new book scanning technology at the county’s busiest libraries. This allows customers to check their own books in and out and releases staff time to help at other libraries. It was also expected that the staff would be more free to offer a personalised service to customers.
During February and March 2008 we ran a public consultation on proposed new opening hours. The proposed opening hours were posted outside each library as well as inside and press releases provided in local media. The consultation closed on 15th March.
As a result of feedback we made changes to the proposed hours of 7 libraries. Libraries across the County opened a total of an extra 431 hours per week as from June 2008. As well as adding in the extra opening hours we took the opportunity to incorporate other feedback, for example from the Adult Public Library User Survey, and make all our opening hours:
- more family friendly (eg open till at least 6:00pm)
- more worker and commuter friendly (eg including more Saturday hours)
- easier to remember (eg no lunch time closures).
Related Section
To view more details of this and other County Council consultations please use the link to the Consultation Register below: