Customers will be able to self-issue up to five books in one scan. The Central Library will go live at the end of next month.
Mayor Celia Wade-Brown is impressed with the RFID machines and says they will be quick and make using the library simpler.
“Our libraries are focused on meeting customer needs and the new equipment will enable staff to spend more time answering customer inquiries and providing age-specific programmes for pre-schoolers through to seniors,” she says.
Councillor Sarah Free, Council’s Community Facilities Portfolio Leader, says the upgrade will offer users the best of modern technology.
“I'm pleased to say there will be no staff reductions as a result of this upgrade. Our librarians are incredibly knowledgeable and this technology means they will be able to focus on helping people find specialised resources or use library services. It will also help us keep track of our resources, and make the task of restocking the shelves much faster.”
While the installation is underway, city libraries will be offering free replacement library cards for use with the new machines.