Wroxham Library Self Service Improvements

This project introduced self-service technology at Wroxham Library, which enables people to use the library outside of staffed opening times. The implemented technology allows the library service to automatically control and monitor building access, self-service kiosks, public access computers, lighting, alarms, public announcements, and customer safety. Additionally, the project provided improved customer toilet facilities.

This project allowed the libraries to increase their opening hours, making access to the library more convenient for current and new customers without an increase in staff costs. This project offered a great opportunity for libraries to be accessible and relevant to more people. In addition, by providing accessible customer toilet facilities, the library has opened up to allow additional customers, who may not have previously visited due to the lack of facilities.

The Greater Norwich Growth Board funded this project as it offered clear potential to provide additional access to community facilities for residents of Greater Norwich. The project had significant benefits:

• The opening hours at Wroxham Library have increased by 53% from 45 to 69 per week
• Halted a decline in numbers of loans
• Improvement in library usage across demographic groups, including Aspiring Homemakers
• 93% of local library customers felt the scheme was useful

Since the project, the range and take up of activities held in the library has increased - for example 15% more children completed the Summer Reading Challenge in Wroxham in 2019 and feedback from customers about the extended opening hours has been positive, for example:

"I find this an excellent service. It's very convenient, and encourages me to use the libraries even more often."