Insight Media supported Reading Borough Council as they embarked on a libraries transformation project to deliver service improvements and additional benefits for library users.
Reading Central Library offers wide ranging services to a diverse group of users, and a refurbishment project transformed the space and enabled more partnership working to create a true community space, with the added benefit of employment support.
Extending the library wireless provision throughout the building, using Insight Media’s iCAM Wireless Access Control solution, offered improved library Wi-Fi access for customers, staff and the partner organisations using the community hub.
Insight Media solutions
Insight Media took responsibility for managing and coordinating the delivery of the People’s Network (PN) project and undertook the preparation and rollout of the new solution. This resulted in Insight Media providing a tailored solution, designed for Reading Libraries in the form of its PN Managed Services, with enhanced service delivery and support.
This involved the preparation and imaging of PCs, installations, testing, pilot site sign-off, and an efficient deployment and roll-out programme to Reading’s library sites. During this process, Insight Media changed to a new Smoothwall web filtering solution for the public PCs.
Insight Media’s provision of the PN PC Refresh programme - combined with the hosting services - offered the libraries a total PC estate refresh, together with updates, additional functionality and services incorporating filtering, critical updates, anti-virus and enhanced support.
The creation and rollout of Reading’s new PN build and image coincided with a hardware / system unit refresh for both the staff and public computers using the iCAM applications.
The design of a new Library Public Access Service included:
Latest Windows operating system
Office 2013 software
65 x TFT Screens for all public facing terminals
Support multiple internet browsers - Internet Explorer, Firefox and Chrome
Audio support for headphones
Printing support (chargeable)
USB functionality to give customers the ability to use USB devices
Website filtering and control
67 x Dell Desktop Machines with Microsoft Windows X Pro and licences for public access
10 x Dell Desktop Machines with Microsoft Windows X Pro and licences for staff use
The ability to interact seamlessly with the current Library Management System and iCAMDatabase server
Reading’s SQL Server and iCAM central database are hosted by Insight Media in their datacentre, incorporating site housing, SQL licence, installation, configuration, housekeeping, support and maintenance. In addition, the public wireless solutions are hosted by Insight Media.
Insight Media’s hosting solution offers a number of benefits to Reading Borough Council:
Control and monitoring of servers
Ensuring any problems are highlighted immediately
High priority on any server issues
Immediate response to any concerns / issues relating to the service
Ensuring potential problems are dealt with quickly
More efficient and speedier fixes and resolution (ensures minimum service disruption)
Server upgrades – managed and controlled, ensuring latest server software updates.
Cost effective and sustainable
Quality support services
Councillor Paul Gittings, Reading Lead Member for Culture, Sport and Consumer Services, said: “I’m delighted … we have updated our computer facilities across all Reading libraries. The Council is committed to promoting digital inclusion for those who don’t have easy access to computers and the internet and I hope many people will benefit from the new facilities.”
Councillor Jan Gavin, Lead Member for ICT, said: “I’m sure many people will benefit from this upgrade and it will be a big help towards closing the digital divide in Reading.”
Comments