'Staffless' library initiative coming to Moate

Moate Library will be the first in Westmeath to provide a so-called 'staffless’ library service which will allow registered members to use the facility from 8am to 10pm, 365 days a year.

The 'My Open Library’ initiative has been piloted in Sligo and Offaly, and is now due to be rolled out in Moate later this year.

It will mean that members will be able to access library services during certain times when the library will not be staffed.

“Staff hours remain unchanged so that staff can continue to provide the welcoming, creative and supportive service that libraries are proud to offer, and consultation is ongoing with library staff,” said Westmeath County Council.

The council said it received funding from the Government for the 'My Open Library’ scheme, which “uses technology to build upon existing staffed hours” in libraries.

“The public can register for use of Open Libraries to carry out routine transactions such as borrowing and returning books, using wi-fi, etc.

“My Open Libraries offers registered users access from 8am to 10pm, 365 days a year, thereby overcoming some of the time constraints which have proved challenging in allowing adults more access to library services,” the council said.

It outlined details of the scheme in response to a question from Cllr Paul Hogan at Monday's meeting of the Athlone Municipal District.

Cllr Hogan said he had “huge concerns” about the initiative, pointing out that it had been introduced in Sligo where six staff had to be recruited just this week to keep some of the libraries in the county open.

He said he wanted to ensure “the staffing levels and arrangements we have remain in place” in Westmeath, and he would be monitoring this closely.

Cllr Frankie Keena said the scheme was discussed recently at a meeting of a strategic policy committee which he attended.

“We were told that it will have no impact on staff but that they’re in negotiation with unions to try and resolve some issues,” said Cllr Keena.

Cllr Aengus O’Rourke said he “appreciated” and “shared” the concerns that had been expressed, but he welcomed the idea of the scheme, as “the opening hours will give more options to people” who use the library.

“The staff are a very important cog in the wheel of delivering a proper library service. At the same time, this is a good idea. Let’s see how it goes,” he said.

Another councillor, Michael O’Brien, remarked that, “if libraries can operate staffless, naturally there will be a fear that, in the future, will there be any staff at all?”

He said “the message needs to go out” that the councillors fully supported the library staff who played a vital role in delivering a service to the community.

“It’s great to see this coming to Moate and, if it’s a success, it can be rolled out further. But we stand behind our staff,” added Cllr John Dolan.