Self service desk to streamline book borrowing

Orange City Library’s new RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) system, which lets libraries streamline the way they manage their collections, is up and running.

The technology allows patrons to check out their own books using their card and an electronic scanning device at kiosks near the front entrance.

Orange City Council’s Services Policy Committee Chair Cr Ron Gander said the technology allows people to check books in and out faster but also frees up library staff to help patrons with a range of other activities that go on inside Orange City Library.

“The staff do a whole lot more than simply checking books in and out. It’s a modern library where all sorts of activities, workshops and education programs go on day in and day out,” Cr Gander said.

“From teaching seniors how to use technology , to helping kids with the Lego club, school holiday programs and of course, the storytime for littlies, staff are always on the go.

“By allowing people to check their own books in and out, staff have more time to help people use the computers, or help students with research projects.

“But if you would really prefer to have a staff member help you borrow a book, then they will always be available for that too.”

Cr Gander officially launched the system yesterday (Thursday) along with NSW Library Council members , president George Souris AM, Professor Peter Shergold AC, Michael Caulfield and Central West Libraries manager Jan Richards AM.

The project has been made possible by a NSW Government Library Development Grant from the Library Council of NSW and funding from Orange City Council.

Cr Gander said it was a mammoth task to install electronic tagging on 80,000 library items, all while the Orange Library was going through a major refurbishment.

“The staff have done an excellent job and the feedback regarding the major refurbishment has been positive,” Cr Gander said.

“It’s brighter, it’s more modern and everything is on wheels so that means it can be easily moved around quickly to allow for temporary installations such as the current Waste 2 Art exhibition.”

Central West Libraries Manager Jan Richards is delighted with the result of the recent refurbishment of the library.

“The makeover and new RFID system brings the Library in line with community expectations and the emerging public library environment,” Ms Richards said.

“It was an opportunity to re-arrange the space to encourage browsing, to highlight collections and to provide places to read and study.”

SIMPLE: Cr Ron Gander borrows a book with the help of Orange City Librarian Sean Brady.