Efficiency in action profile: Library RFID project
Printer friendly
Books no longer need to be checked out by staff so they have been able to undertake interactive roles such as advising customers on new publications or recommending recently released DVDs rather than acting as repetitive book stampers.
Working in partnership with BT, Essex County Council has used the cutting edge technology to turn libraries into easy to use, welcoming self-service venues.
With more staff time available libraries are also able to extend their opening hours providing a more flexible and convenient service to users at no extra cost.
The new technology – details at www.essexcc.gov.uk - has also enabled the service to re-address as number of fundamental elements of public library service delivery, improving on stock presentation, library layout and working space by using space freed up by the removal of traditional, bulky library counters.
This is a Finalist in the e-Government National Awards 2006
The case study above is of one of the 89 finalists in the e-Government National Awards 2006. The winners will be presented at a prestigious dinner at the Savoy in London on 17th January 2007.
The Awards are supported by the Cabinet Office e-Government Unit, the Office of Government Commerce, the Society of Information Technology Management (Socitm), and SOLACE (Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers). Platinum sponsor is KPMG, and also a sponsor are SunGard and O2.
Related links:
Efficiency Programme: Office of Government Commerce
OGC Buying Solutions
Office of Government Commerce
HM Treasury
Downloads: Factsheets on efficiency
Factsheet: Efficiency in Action
Factsheet: Efficiency Myths
Factsheet: Efficiency Wins
Hot Topic: Efficiency in Action links:
Hot Topic Index: Efficiency in Action
Hot Topic Introduction: Stephen Timms MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury
- Login or Register to comment
- Add to a social bookmarking site
Editor's Manifesto: Tales of the entirely expected
"Several weeks into the new era of Coaltiion Government and certain key themes are emerging. First up, it's clear that the battle of the 'who can get their memoirs out the door quick enough to steal a march in the revisionist history stakes' has been triumphantly won by M'Lord Mandelson (Weren't those TV ads scary – the velvet smoking jacket, the leather fireside chair, all that Brillcream! The only thing missing was the theme tune to Tales of the Unexpected and the accompanying prancing sillouette of Harriet Harman or Diane Abbott dancing!)” Read more
The Dispatch Box: Data quality and the public sector
Colin Rickard, managing director EMEA at SAS subsidiary Dataflux, argues public sector data must be of high quality if the efficiencies promised with ICT and infrastructure is to be realised.
"Tackling the public sector’s data integration and data quality challenges is a tough prospect. The challenge may require more effort than a comparative project in a large private company. Data must be governed according to a strategy that necessitates bringing interested parties together.” Read more
Innovation: A step too far in the austerity age?
Complete and enter our draw to win a free seat at the e-Government Awards. The public sector is already perceived to be lacking in innovation, but is that a fair assessment, and what role could it play in helping the government meet efficiency targets? What do people working on the frontline of ICT in public sector organisations think? Take part and share your views
James Gardner, CTO at the Department for Work and Pensions discusses his thoughts on innovation in the public and commercial sectors.
Source: K2 Advisory