The traditional role of the “librarian behind the counter” is under threat as municipalities seek to reduce the hours of staff who use self-service borrowing. Some local government officials are proposing that libraries be allowed to operate at certain times without a professional librarian, relying on self-service technology, smart cards for entry and video surveillance.
The idea has been criticised as “crazy”, limiting access to librarian advice and expertise for young people, vulnerable people and many older people.
At a cabinet meeting in June, Buckinghamshire Council outlined plans to save around £550,000 a year and cut staff hours by up to 30% using the technology. Library users with smart cards will be monitored by CCTV to ensure people do not “stick” to others in the buildings.
Martin Tett, the council leader, told the meeting he felt “a little uneasy” about the “library flexibility” proposals, which are to be implemented at eight libraries in the county from next year, subject to consultation.
“I loved the old library service,” Tett said. “I loved the librarian who was always behind the counter. They were not only providing a service to the library with their knowledge of books and literature, but they were also providing a social service. But I would say we got a very difficult financial deal.” He added that the city council also had to accept that “changes are going to happen” and that there was a need to acknowledge the need to embrace new technologies.
Officials hope the libraries will be used by associations, friends of libraries and municipal services during off-peak hours. They say the new technology could increase the total number of opening hours by 50%.
Kari Dorme, a former librarian at Beaconsfield and High Wycombe, said professional librarians enjoyed getting to know readers and also acted as a social service. “It’s a crazy idea. You can’t replicate the knowledge and skills of librarians. I’m not against self-service machines, but the ethos and character of library work is not being taken into account. Many older people would much rather talk to a human being.”
“City councils want to use these machines when there are no librarians, and I am concerned about the safety and security of these buildings.”
Buckinghamshire Council said it would implement measures to ensure public safety, including the use of libraries by community groups.
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Many libraries have introduced self-service technologies to make life easier for users, but they are increasingly being used by councils struggling to cut costs. Haringey Council in London said in its 2024-25 budget consultation that it was looking at self-service technologies, saying they had “the potential to reduce staff numbers by 40%”. This weekend, Haringey said it had listened to residents and was “not going ahead” with the technology.
Last year, Croydon Council in south London introduced self-service in just two of its libraries, Selsdon and Norbury, but faced considerable difficulties. It found that “current trends indicate a strong preference among library users for face-to-face services from library staff”, and that the service was not accessible to people without a library card or to under-16s, who cannot use the service without an adult present.
Croydon found the initial adoption of self-service access hours to be “disappointing” and concluded that it was necessary to pay for an on-site security guard in the event of an emergency evacuation.
Councils are currently exploring self-service technology as libraries across the country face the threat of closure or reductions in services. Birmingham City Council has announced plans to review funding for its 35 libraries, which could lead to closures. Nottingham City Council is planning to close four libraries and Havering Borough Council in London is also proposing the closure of four libraries.
Laura Swaffield, chair of the charity The Library Campaign, which supports library users and friends groups, said libraries were under attack in many parts of the country. “Libraries have a wider role as community resources. We oppose self-service technology when it is used as a means of leaving libraries unstaffed.”
“If you just want to read a little or know how to use a computer, that’s great. Many people need much more than that. The library is the most accessible gateway to a whole range of information and support.”
Leading writers have warned of the consequences of cutting library services. In an interview with Observer In April, David Nicholls, author of the novel A daysaid: “It makes me very angry. Libraries are closing, the way the arts are not accessible. It really makes me angry.”
Clive Harriss, from Buckinghamshire Council, said: “The traditional and much-loved library service has really changed and evolved over time. We need a modern library service that reflects these changes and continues to provide face-to-face contact for the people who still value this service at their local library. Library Flex allows us to do this.”
Croydon Council said self-service usage had been slowly increasing and was now being reviewed. Havering Council said it already offered self-service technology and was not proposing further investment. Nottingham City Council said no decision had yet been made on the proposal to close four libraries. A spokesperson said the library service already operated self-service systems and would review their use “to help people use libraries beyond normal working hours”. Birmingham City Council said its consultation on reviewing its library service was ongoing.
