Diana EdmondsHead of Libraries, Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), London
Rebecca GedikingLibrary Specialist, GLL
Taking Digital Responsibility
Diana Edmonds
Head of Libraries, GLL
Rebecca Gediking
Library Specialist, GLL
03 October 2013
Public Libraries in the 21st Century – Action Required!
GLL – A quick note
• A Charitable Social Enterprise• Managing over 100 Leisure Centres• Managing 2 Library services in London
– Royal Borough of Greenwich– London Borough of Wandsworth– (26 Library buildings)
The Areas we serve
Royal Borough of Greenwich and London Borough of Wandsworth
• Customer mix includes affluent and economically deprived
• Even those who are affluent may be digitally deprived
The ICT offer - physical
GLL Libraries provide:
• ‘The Peoples’ Network’ – fixed PC’s with broadband access to the Internet
• PLUS Printing and scanning capabilities
• In Greenwich funded by £400,000 allocation from GLL profits
The ICT offer - physical
GLL Libraries provide:
• WIFI – free wireless internet access for those with laptops, smart phones and tablets …
The ICT offer – support for digital development
• Ad hoc support plus regular classes to encourage digital confidence
• Staff increasingly gaining teaching qualifications, as well as library qualifications
GLL Libraries are smart Libraries
GLL Libraries are smart libraries with a range of technology available, including:• iPads• An iPad table• Sound Showers
As well as RFID self issue terminals, wands etc …
Technology rubs off on our customers
Our responsibility
• … is to provide libraries which are technology hubs, making available a range of technology products to enable our customers to become more digitally literate – and to have fun with technology, with other people …
Library LAB
• A joint venture with our suppliers• A development space• A showcase• Allowing relationships and products to be
developed• And soon to be mobile with a Library LAB
bus
ICT offer - virtualGLL also has a responsibility to reach out to those who may not be able to visit a physical library and to provide library services for the digital community
Our current offer:
• A 24/7 virtual library • Library Catalogue• A range of online resources• Online information regarding the physical
libraries
Developing our ICT offer• Increasing our online presence via Social
Media Platforms• Digital Streaming events
• Virtual author visits• Online book clubs
ICT ensures libraries are relevant
• Visits to Woolwich Library increased by 58% in one year …
• Now on same days, we receive over 5,000 visitors