Stockport Libraries embrace technology to expand services
- wendy17345
- Jul 7
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 9
As a key part of the £1bn town centre investment which is currently underway by Stockport Council, Stockport Central Library is moving into the new Stockroom development alongside a children’s creative learning space, a café bar and Stockport’s historical archives. In addition, Stockport Libraries have invested in a number of technologies to expand services across all their libraries and improve access for members.
Unstaffed opening
Bibliotheca’s open+ access is a comprehensive system that allows libraries to provide more flexible hours, making them more accessible to the community. Designed to complement staffed library hours, open+ can be implemented in a number of different ways to meet various library service models.
Stockport Libraries introduced open+ in 2021 and have recently extended the service by allowing open+ access to unstaffed libraries for all library members and not just those who have registered for the service.
This approach means more members can use library services at a time that suits them, extending the libraries’ facilities to more of the local community.
Self-service
To complement the open+ access, Stockport Libraries have invested in Bibliotheca self-service kiosks. This means during unstaffed hours, members can borrow, reserve and return books, pay fines, and search the library catalogue. During staffed hours, members can choose to use the self-service kiosk or, if they prefer, speak to a staff member at the counter.
With the kiosks dealing with many simple transactions, staff are freed up to deliver an enhanced service for more complex enquiries and wider support for the local community.
Wi-fi printing
To extend the library’s services still further, Stockport Libraries have introduced Insight Media’s wi-fi printing solution iCAM Wireless Cloud Print.
Library visitors are increasingly demanding the ability to print direct from their own devices rather than having to rely on using a library PC and this solution gives library members seamless, easy to use wi-fi printing, with the flexibility to print whilst in the library building or print from home and collect prints later from a local library.
There are no requirements for separate log-ins, codes or vouchers for collecting print and the solution is compatible with Android, Apple and Windows phones, tablets and laptops.
By integrating the wi-fi printing with the Bibliotheca kiosks, library members can enjoy a seamless, totally self-service print experience printing from their own devices even when the libraries are unstaffed.
This is a brilliant example of libraries embracing technology to expand their services for members, as well as collaborative working by all parties involved to deliver modern, flexible solutions.
“This project is a fantastic example of how modern library technology can help create inclusive, flexible spaces that invite more people to engage with their local library in new and meaningful ways.”
Chris Millican, Managing Director UK/FR, Bibliotheca
“It’s good to see what Stockport Libraries have done to allow their library members to easily print the documents they need in their local library directly from their own devices even when the library isn’t staffed, and we were delighted to have been a part of this project.”
Neil Johnson, Director, Insight Media
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