Gibson Library Society Since Graham Harding's last report about the public consultation things have been delayed, like so many other things this year, due to the pandemic.
During lockdown libraries were working hard to increase their online offer and more services became available from home. We also introduced a new range of online Rhymetime and Storytimes for children and some one minute book reviews on the youtube channel.
Libraries opened again with a limited service in July and we have now managed to open all branches. This has been a great achievement as many other authorities are still offering a smaller service. Our libraries will be returning to their original opening hours from 14th Sept, with a couple of exceptions. Eg, Harlow library will be remaining open on Wednesdays but not offering later openings as this supports the 3 Registrars offices in the building better. We are gradually increasing our offer and have introduced limited computer use and today have reintroduced printing facilities.
We have also recently launched a new exciting mobile app, called Iguana. The new app allows you to search the catalogue, renew items, scan books with an in-app ISBN barcode scanner, and manage your account wherever you are! You can also view library opening times and location information, linking directly to Google Maps to help you find your way. Furthermore, if you manage an account on behalf of someone else, you will also be able to link accounts and access them both from your phone.
Essex County Council has announced that both Essex and Thurrock Libraries will join "The Libraries Consortium" (TLC), the UK's largest library consortium made up of 18 other library authorities.
As part of the Essex Libraries Consultation in 2019, respondents told us they wanted an increase in the number of titles available to borrow from Essex Libraries. By joining the consortium, Essex residents will have access to over 6 million items of stock via the shared TLC library catalogue, including books, e-books, e-magazines and audio books. This will be in addition to the current 1.9 million titles Essex Libraries already has available.
Joining the consortium means an upgrade of the existing library management system (LMS) which will be managed by SirsiDynix. The new LMS system will provide an enriched, modern and interactive library customer experience such as access to the service 24/7 on any mobile device, and customer alerts and text messages. It will be a single digital platform, enabling customers to engage with other library users, post reviews, book events, follow their favourite authors, and make recommendations.
Cllr Susan Barker, Cabinet Member for Customer, Corporate, Culture and Communities, said: "This is a great opportunity for us and will mean library users will now have almost 8 million books available to them. Our residents asked for more stock, this is what we are giving them. This, alongside our new Library Management System will offer our library users an improved and even more flexible service."
I hope this is assurance that Essex County Council are investing in the library service and I look forward to finding out more about The Gibson Library.
Regards
Julia Trew, Face to Face Supervisor, Harlow and Dunmow Library
On behalf of Graham Harding
Return to the AGM 2020 page.
