Unstaffed self-service library pilot programme to roll-out

A PILOT automation programme called My Open Library, which is an unstaffed, self-service library service that will extend opening hours, is being developed for roll-out by South Dublin County Council.

Maximising the usage of community buildings out of regular hours to potentially provide an outlet for young people was the source of a question posed to South Dublin County Council (SDCC).

At the recent area committee meeting of Lucan/Palmerstown/North Clondalkin, Cllr Liona O’Toole asked if libraries across the county could be used for teens after closing hours.

While the question focused more on providing a youth service style group, part of the local authority’s response revealed plans to deliver an automated library service.

“We are also excited to announce that Libraries are in the process of developing procurement documents for the piloting and roll-out of My Open Library, which is a building automation system that will allow us to extend our opening hours,” the council revealed.

“This will provide our community with more flexible access to the library’s resources, and we’re looking forward to exploring this opportunity further.”

My Open Library is a service that has been funded through the Department of Community Development which allows access to public libraries on a self-service basis from 8am to 10pm, 365 days a year.

Already, the service has been rolled out across some branches of Dublin City Council and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and now SDCC is looking to roll it out.

Automated access to the branch for library members can happen through the use of a membership card or pin during unstaffed hours.

The automated access could be for issuing or returning of books, internet access on computers, use of wi-fi, printing, studying or meeting.

On February 28, 2023, Cllr O’Toole raised the question given the “constraints on the existing youth services/café in Griffeen youth café” and for additional venues to be considered.

With “a request recently passed to examine the costs and plans involved in extending Adamstown Community and Youth Centre, as teenagers don’t have indoor spaces,” Cllr O’Toole believes libraries could facilitate young people better.

In response, the council stated that its opening hours have not changed, although it is “actively seeking opportunities” to make buildings available for “cultural activities outside of regular hours”.

“This would allow us to further serve the community and make use of our facilities in innovative ways,” the council said.

For full access to all content on Echo.ie and to support the continuation of local news and local journalism in your community subscribe HERE. Thanks for your ongoing support.