A WHOPPING 340,000 items were borrowed from Byron Shire Libraries last year.
Until now, library staff have had to process these items one-by-one to check them in and out for our local bookworms.
But all that changed at Mullumbimby Library with the installation of a new digital loan station on Monday 13 November.
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Inevitable fears of staff cuts resulting from the new facility being installed were quickly allayed.
Voice of Byron member Di Rowlands asked the legitimate question on Council’s Facebook page, “Just wondering… will staff still be able to help check books in and out for our elderly bookworms who cannot understand and use digital?” and was quickly assured by Pat Kranz that would staff assistance would actually increase.
“Of course they will Di,” said Pat. “In fact, because some people will choose to use the self checkout, the staff will have more time to help other borrowers and Library patrons.”
Despite Di and Pat’s positive dialogue, ongoing negativity typical of many Shire residents had to be addressed several times by Library representatives.
Knee jerk reactions assuming the new Mullum Library digital facility would mean staff cuts had to be repeatedly put down, as mobile phone Facebookers failed to scroll through the preceding thread dialogue properly.
Reflex negative reaction to everything, no matter how positive, seemingly remains strong throughout the Shire…
Finally, Library staffer Kate Crisp summed up the situation succinctly.
“As a librarian working at Byron Library, I’m very much looking forward to being able to put people’s loans through without the repetitive strain involved with individually scanning each item.
“People forget how heavy books can be, but the local physios know all about it! Also, being in a profession that is about helping people, it will be a real pleasure to be able to spend more time with our customers.
“This will be a fantastic step forward for staff and patrons alike, and it brings us up to date with technology that other library systems have had for some time – with NO loss of jobs or service quality.”
I worked in the Banking Industry for many, many years. They said that ATM’s and electronic banking would not reduce staff numbers. Forgive me if I remain sceptical.