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December 12, 2006
Easy use of a library
My challenge is that anyone should be able to go into a library anywhere and use any of its facilities; it should be easy and you shouldn't have to ask permission or be taught procedures.
If you want to borrow something, we need some really straightforward process that makes sure you will bring it back undamaged-- simply so that other people can use it too.
My friends in Cornwall claim to have as simple a system as possible.
2. You fill in the membership form and then they send you a card
But I think it could be simpler. Any ideas?
Posted by Tim Coates at December 12, 2006 9:08 AM
Comments
Oh come on, it isn`t so difficult... you don`t need a degree in brain surgery to fill in a form.
Posted by: SUSAN HILL at December 12, 2006 9:46 AM
Here in Essex we abolished paper joining forms some years ago, nor are people required to show proof of ID. You can join online by going to our site (www.essexcc.gov.uk/libraries) and selecting 'Join the library'. This enables you to place requests and access our electronic databases straight away. You collect the ticket on your first visit to any Essex library. (You don't need to specify a particular library in advance.) Simple as that.
Posted by: Adrian Ure at December 12, 2006 12:32 PM
The problem is contending with theft.
A lot of DVDs went missing from the new Brighton library when it opened, and there are too many cases of books being "last seen" ages ago.
Posted by: Christopher Hawtree at December 12, 2006 12:49 PM