New initiative sees Worcestershire libraries save hundreds of thousands of pounds on staffing
They've saved more than £300,000 in staff costs through the Libraries Unlocked scheme
A new opening-hours scheme rolled out in Worcestershire libraries has seen them save more than £300,000 in staff costs.
The Libraries Unlocked initiative was set-up to allow people to still be able to access these places when staff weren't around at them through the introduction of self-service technology.
According to papers considered by Worcestershire County Council's corporate and communities overview and scrutiny panel, it is currently operating in 11 out of the 23 sites, and head of library services, Carol Brown, said the programme had “met its objective of increasing library opening hours”.
At a panel meeting she said: “We delivered just over £300,000 of staff savings through Libraries Unlocked and now 11 of Worcestershire’s 23 libraries have a service model in place that will help to futureproof them against continuing financial pressures."
She said some customers still preferred more staffed opening hours, adding: “We know it’s not everyone.”
The county council's cabinet member for communities, Josh Robinson, thanked library staff and said libraries had a “really important role across Worcestershire”, while panel chair Marcus Hart said he had been the cabinet member when Libraries Unlocked launched and was pleased to see it “go from strength to strength”.
A council report said the model is being considered for Wythall Library, with discussions under way with Woodrush High School, but will not be introduced at Alvechurch, Bewdley or Hagley libraries.