New technology gives small libraries a boost

More than ever Danish libraries are in the throws of structural changes where small units face the risk of being abolished when reason dictates that they cannot continue as traditional libraries.

The number of libraries in Denmark
has been declining over the past ten
years, and this development looks likely
to continue, unless the libraries take up
the challenge of devising alterations to
the way of being a library.
Amongst other things this means that
there must be a much higher degree of
cooperation on IT and technology as
well as new and different functions
being integrated in the library. It is also
essential – more so now than ever before
– to create local networks via concrete
partnerships with local users and
institutions. Public as well as commercial
alliances are very beneficial to
libraries!

The local library cannot – rationally
speaking – be maintained as traditional
library branch with the kind of stock
and content that tend to be a reflection
of the large main library’s way of
operating.

If new IT, technology and broadband
connections is the putty needed for
holding the structure together, then
specialised library types – with other
functions integrated – will become part
of a local network where the cooperation
provides the library with new roles
in the local areas, if the staff is also
prepared to change the way of being a
librarian at the same time.

The library’s service model

The classic role of the library – to be a
neutral mediator of information to a
broader public – has long since been
taken over by net services like Google,
Wikipedia, Amazon, I-tunes and
similar services. One might therefore
contemplate the library’s role based on
the concept: service model.
By tradition the library uses two service
models when it comes to service to
the public:

- General opening hours: when people
come primarily to return material
- Book-a-librarian: where edited
knowledge is made available to a
targeted user group who contacts the
service. The model has been introduced
in several Danish libraries.

A third service model is now being
tested at Silkeborg Library: self-service,
where in principle the aim is to augment
the accessibility to the library by
creating easy and swift access – all
around the clock. Also with a view
better to utilise the fine buildings with
a large number of materials previously
accessible to patrons and the public
during just a few opening hours.
The three service models can – in a
suitable mix – supplement each other,
and the mix can be adjusted according
to the function by which the local
library wishes to raise its profile.

Access via RFID

In project ‘Self-service’ we have produced
a RFID borrower’s card which
also acts as admittance card to the
library.

The card is free of charge and can be
issued in the library within normal
opening hours. When you subsequently
find yourself at the entrance to the
library, you will be recognised via the
chip, bid welcome by name on a small
display outside the entrance, and upon
keying in your pin code you can enter
the library. The pin code is the one
already used on the self-service terminals
in the library or for reservations
via the Internet.

A photo is taken of the person who
enters, and data are logged on the
person’s ID. This information is saved
on a central server, which ensures that
later we may follow up on any problems
in the building. When entering
you are told that your photo is being
taken.

Silkeborg Library has already now
gained experience with RFID chip in
materials for loan where the chip is
being used as identification of the
material based on a unique material
number which is combined with a
central Faust number in the library’s
database. Loan and return of materials
is therefore already a self-service
function which all users today take
advantage of in the libraries in Silkeborg.

The libraries in Silkeborg are already
cooperating on the running of the server
and PC-booking via the Internet.

Guidance via webcam and info stands

Two info stands in the library can provide
you with information on your
dealings with the library (borrower status,
reservation, bills). A chip-reader
‘reads’ the material when placed on a
shelf by the info stand.

The chip signal releases a search in the
library’s database and the result is combined
with a check in the net service
‘My Library’, which suggests titles for
further reading that in context is similar
to the material placed on the info
stand.

From the info stand you can call the
HelpDesk in the main library – within
that library’s opening hours. Calls can
be seen on the PCs that have HelpDesk
installed.

Via webcam and headset you are able
to see and hear each other while
guidance is being given.

Via three web cameras placed in the
local library and a map of the library
premises (with materials) the staff at
the main library can guide you around
the room, and you can also get help
with searches in the library’s database
which can be reached via the info
stand.

Each morning the library’s chauffeurs
deliver ordered materials to the local
library and place them according to a
number system. The number is sent to
the users via mail, sms or letter whereupon
the material can be collected
from the library. Material can only be
issued to the user-ID that placed the
order. Consequently, you cannot take
home materials other than those you
yourself have ordered - and of course
those titles that are placed on the library’s
open shelves.

A fortnight after the start of self-service
about 125 new cards have been issued.
The card can be used for self-service at
the local library as well as used as an
ordinary card at Silkeborg Library’s
other branches as there is a barcode on
the back.

Will the library have an impact
on development?

New technology can be employed to
give access to a number of functions
and services that could previously only
be obtained by appearing in person in
the ‘ordinary’ library. New technology
makes it possible to introduce selfservice
in small libraries. Periods with
self-service supplement the general
opening hours and mean that service
and degree of usage are optimised.

For many years Silkeborg Library has
opted to be an experimental library.
And through projects we use technology
to underpin learning, knowledge
and experience while at the same time
making sure that cultural and social
activities to a greater degree stem from
the library’s platform.

Traditional library materials will be less
important in the future, and the transition
from collections to connections is
a process in which libraries need to
find their role - unless we leave it to
technology to call the tune. Do we remain
where we are when the platform
changes? Do we make a move forward
- or do we give up and contend ourselves
with just following suit? The library’s
staff will be in a better winning
position by minding the helm themselves
when the course is set, thereby
deciding whether the library is to be
abreast of development or a backstop.

Economics and partnerships

Silkeborg’s project takes place at Gjern
Library – 16 kilometres outside Silkeborg.
In Silkeborg we have exploited our
knowledge about chip (RFID) technology
in partnership with the firm
Cordura. Apart from that we have cooperated
with TagVision (gates and
loans and return technology) as well as
Signalement.dk (info stands).

The project receives financial support
from the Danish Library Agency’s Development
Pool. You can see more
about the project at Silkeborg Library’s
homepage: www.silkeborg-bibliotek.dk
/projekter/den-selvbetjente-biblioteksfilial/
default.html

Mogens Larsen
Project responsible and librarian
Silkeborg Library’s development group

MLLAR@silkeborg.bib.dk

Translated by Vibeke Cranfield