Improvements on way at library

Newark Library closes today for three weeks for improvements including installation of self-service machines.

Nottinghamshire County Council is installing self-service technology into 14 of its libraries.

A spokesman said the largest libraries, including Newark, needed to be closed for three weeks to install the equipment and prepare the books.

She said there would be changes to the layout, stock categorisation would be introduced to make it easier for customers to find what they wanted, and there would be re-guiding and a general spring clean.

She said recent work at Retford and Bingham was welcomed by customers.

She said customers would find the library easier to use and staff would be on hand to help with the new self-service equipment and offer support in finding information.

To borrow items, customers will place their library card or fob under the reader and then place the items under the scanner to issue them. An optional printed receipt is available detailing the titles and when they are due for return.

To return items, customers place them in the machine and the library system removes the items from the record of the person who borrowed them.

The spokesman said customers found it straight forward and more intuitive than self-service systems in supermarkets and banks.

She said customers could take extra books to cover the closure and could use any Nottinghamshire or Nottingham city libraries with their current card.

Books and films can be renewed online at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/libraries or through the customer service centre on 08449 80 80 80.

She said all libraries provided free internet access, although booking was advisable.

The improvements are a one-off investment of about £633,000 county-wide.