‘‘ F
OR decades the messaging for public libraries has been the same – libraries are having to do more with
less, expanding their services whilst facing funding cuts, branch closures, hiring freezes, and reduced operational hours. Under these conditions, the relationship between libraries and vendors, which are typically private organisations, can appear to be in conflict with one another. This need not be the case. Read on to see how public libraries and library software vendors can work together to get the most out of their relationship.
The expansion of library services The scope of services offered by libraries has extended far beyond books and media, research, and access to technology. In many libraries, visitors can now pay their council tax, have their blue badge details verified, or apply for a bus pass. That’s not to mention the changing needs and expectations of the public! This shows the adaptability of libraries and the recognition of them as an important public service and social hub. However, it can also divert the attention of staff and require reskilling of the workforce. Library software can help with these pressures through sign-posting users to relevant resources and services, reducing the need for visitors to ask library staff directly, and
The scope of services offered by libraries has extended far beyond books and media, research, and access to technology.
Public Libraries and Software Vendors: how to get the most out of the relationship
Lauren Purton, Marketing Executive at PTFS Europe, a CILIP Supplier Partner, explains how public libraries and software suppliers can optimise their relationships – contributions also from Andrew Auld, Commercial Director, Fiona Borthwick, Head of Sales and Account Management, and Jonathan Field, Managing Director.
enabling access to systems outside of library opening hours.
For libraries: When speaking with your library vendor, make them aware of these pressures and expectations outside of the traditional library offering. They may have a system function or solution that could support member access to these services or help to ease staff pressures.
It may also be possible to seek funding from other council departments by showing them the additional services and value the library offers beyond its defined scope. Additionally, collaboration with other departments or institutions could support applications for external funding.
For vendors: Ensure you’re asking the right questions when seeking to understand what your customer needs and the expectations of users and stakeholders.
Assess your software offering to see where solutions may already exist or could be easily amended to meet the growing needs of libraries.
Consortia and communities of practice
Library consortia are coordinated associations of libraries which share resources or activities. Consortia can be bounded geographically, by mission or area of interest, and libraries may belong to multiple consortia related to different aspects or functions, such as licensing and acquisitions.
Lauren Purton.
There are library consortia throughout the UK which include the procurement of library management systems and software, including for public, health and academic libraries. Belonging to a consortium in these cases can allow libraries to join existing systems that meet their needs, eliminating the need for each library to individually go out to market and undertake time-consuming procurement processes. This can reduce costs, save time, reduce the duplica- tion of efforts, and free up librarians to focus on their services. There may also be circumstances where consortia do not represent best value, costs may be higher than those for a single system or the group software may not match your particular needs.
11
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64
