The traditional “behind the counter librarian” role is under threat as local governments move to introduce self-service lending systems and reduce staff hours. Some local government officials have proposed running libraries without dedicated librarians, using self-service technology, smart cards for entry and security cameras.
This has been criticised as a “crazy idea” which would limit access to the advice and expertise of librarians for the young, vulnerable and many elderly people.
At a cabinet meeting in June, Buckinghamshire Council outlined plans for the technology to save around £550,000 a year and reduce staff hours by up to 30%. Library users with smart cards will be monitored by CCTV to ensure they do not “follow” too closely inside the building.
Council leader Martin Tett told the meeting he had “a bit of unease” about the proposed “library flex” which is due to be implemented in eight county libraries from next year, subject to consultation.
“I loved the old library service,” Tett said. “I always loved the librarians behind the counter, who used their knowledge of books and literature to provide not only library service but also community service. But it can also be said that we are in a very tough financial situation.” Tett said councils must also accept that “change happens” and the need to recognise new technologies.
Officials hope community groups, friends of the library and municipal services will use the library during off-peak hours, and the new technology could increase opening hours by 50 percent, officials say.
Kari Dohme, former district librarian for Beaconsfield and High Wycombe, said professional librarians loved getting to know their readers and also carried out community service work. “It’s a crazy idea. You can’t replicate the knowledge and skills of a librarian. I’m not against self-service machines, but it ignores the whole ethos and character of library work. A lot of older people want to speak to a human being.”
“The council wants to use these machines when librarians are not around but I am concerned about the security and safety of these buildings.”
Buckinghamshire County Council said it would implement measures to ensure public safety, including allowing community groups to use the library.
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Self-service technology, such as that used at Bristol Central Library, is being increasingly adopted by local authorities. Photo: Charles Starling/Alamy
Self-service technology is being introduced in many libraries to make things easier for users, but it is being increasingly adopted by local authorities who are under financial pressure to cut costs. Haringey Borough Council in London said in its 2024-25 budget consultation that it was considering self-service technology and that it “could potentially reduce staff numbers by 40%”. This weekend, Haringey Borough Council said that after consulting residents, it “will not go ahead” with the introduction of the technology.
Croydon Council in south London introduced self-service in just two libraries, Selsdon and Norbury, last year but faced major challenges: it found that “current trends show that library users are more likely to prefer face-to-face service from library staff” and that the service was not being offered to people without a library card or to people under the age of 16, who cannot use services unaccompanied by an adult.
Croydon Council felt that initial take-up of self-service access times had been “disappointing” and concluded it would need to pay to have security guards on site in the event of an emergency evacuation.
As libraries across the country face threat of closure or cuts to services, local authorities are considering self-service technologies. Birmingham City Council has announced plans to review funding for 35 libraries which could lead to closure. Nottingham City Council plans to close four libraries, and Havering Council in London has also proposed closing four libraries.
Laura Swaffield, chairman of The Library Campaign, a charity that supports library users and library advocates, said libraries were under attack in many parts of the country. “Libraries have a wider role as a community resource and we oppose self-service technology being used as a way to de-staff libraries.”
“If you just want a quick read or know how to use a computer, that’s fine, but many people need much more. Libraries are the gateway where you can most easily access all the information and support.”
Prominent authors have warned about the impact of cuts to library services. In an interview with the Observer in April, David Nicholls, author of the novel One Day, said: “I’m so angry about it. Libraries are closing, we can’t access art. I’m really outraged.”
Clive Harris, from Buckinghamshire Council, said: “Our traditional and much-loved library service has changed and evolved significantly over time. We need a modern library service that reflects these changes and can continue to offer face-to-face interaction for those who still value it at their local library. LibraryFlex will make this possible.”
Croydon Council said that use of self-service was gradually increasing and was currently under review. Havering Council said it already provided self-service technology and was not proposing further investment. Nottingham City Council said it had not yet made a decision about the proposals to close four libraries. A spokesman said the library service already operated a self-service system and would consider using it “to allow people to use the library outside staff hours”. Birmingham City Council said a consultation on a review of its library service was ongoing.
