Salford Community Leisure enhance their library offer
- wendy17345
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Salford Libraries have been a customer of Insight Media since 2002, with libraries initially being run by Salford Council before being taken over by Salford Community Leisure (SCL) in 2003.
iCAM Workstation Control
During this time, the libraries have been using the iCAM Workstation Control PC booking system to give staff complete control over the access and pre-booking of public workstations. Our unique interface provides flexible management of computer access and advance bookings for individual users and groups.
To reduce workload for staff, users can manage their own bookings directly on the workstation, whilst staff retain the ability to manage reservations from a central workstation if required. Staff can always clearly see which PCs are being used and by whom, and which are available for bookings. If all computers are in use then staff can see at a glance how long before the next computer is available and, if necessary, add borrowers to a waiting list.
Computer bookings are easily started, extended and ended by staff but will also automatically end when the allocated time has expired. If a borrower walks away early without ending their booking, the software will detect no activity after a specified time and automatically make the PC available for the next user.
iCAM Hosted Solution
In 2024, SCL opted to move to a hosted database solution with iCAM, giving them the benefits of outsourcing, including cost savings, reliability of service and the peace of mind that any problems are highlighted and dealt with immediately by the iCAM team.
iCAM Printer Control and Wireless Cloud Print
SCL then opted to upgrade their printing services for library users by introducing iCAM Printer Control and Wireless Cloud Print in 2025. Printer Control integrates seamlessly with Workstation Control and the Library Management System (LMS) to give staff complete control over print jobs generated by users. Print jobs are sent to the iCAM Printer Control management software and held until staff release the document following payment by the borrower.
Staff can manipulate print jobs to ensure only the required pages are printed, and to select number of copies, paper size and mono/colour options.
By offering Wireless Cloud Print, the libraries can offer users an enhanced printing service, enabling them to print from their own devices rather than logging on to a library PC if they prefer, something that more and more library users are requesting.
iCAM iKiosk
Bibliotheca self-service kiosks in the libraries were already streamlining the process of book loans and returns, and SCL were keen to maximise their investment in this hardware by extending the services they could be used for.
Following the addition of card payment peripherals to the kiosks, this made it possible for SCL to purchase the iCAM iKiosk software which integrates with iCAM Workstation Control, iCAM Printer Control and the kiosk hardware to allow the public to release print jobs and make payments via the kiosk.
The user interface is simple and intuitive, with iCAM features accessed on the kiosk by scanning a library membership card or typing in a borrower number and selecting the required service via the touch screen. The print release service allows users to review and manage their own print jobs, finalising paper size, colour/mono options, number of pages, and number of copies, before paying for and releasing the job(s) to a printer.
We have really valued our relationship with Salford Community Leisure as we have worked together to enhance the services they offer to their library users, with iCAM products enabling efficiencies for staff and more choice for users.
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