Reference

without

desks

Before...

Reference Desk removal

After...

Roving equipment - tablet

•Windows tablet

•Spydus compatible

•Some usability issues

Roving equipment - strap

Otterbox straps

•Designed for ipads

•Not available in Australia

•Length adjustable

•Fluffy strip provided for comfort on neck

Circulation Desk

Self checkers have been installed on the

circulation desk

Benefits

Side by side service

not across a desk

Benefits

Staff determine

length of inquiry and

appropriate personal space

Benefits

• Staff can walk up to a customer rather than waiting for a customer to walk up to them

• Makes staff more approachable

• A lot more of our inquiries are assisting customers on computers so staff are easily able to move around and help

Benefits

• Easily monitor anti-social behaviour

• Monitor what are on computer screens

• Frequently run up-to-date reservation list

• Keep the library looking tidy

• All staff rove - resulting in multi-skilling

Challenges

• Getting staff to use the tablets – not just wear them

• Equipment failure (wifi eg.)

• Possible WHS issues

• Limitations – difficult to use to issue books

Challenges

• Can be difficult to rove if either too busy or too quiet

• By removing the reference desk we removed a work space – now that work has to be fitted in around library shifts

Questions?

For further information contact:

Shiralee Franks

Information and Collections Librarian

Tamworth City Library

s.franks@tamworth.nsw.gov.au