Pre-market Engagement for Library Self Service Solutions

Leicester City Council (the Council) is undertaking a transformation programme to update it's library RFID self-service book issue solution and potentially to provide a customer self-access solution for library buildings. Leicester City Council runs 16 Public Libraries and 1 satellite library.

Following the recent Transforming Neighbourhood Services programme many library services have been co-located within larger multi-service centre buildings to deliver efficiencies through bringing services together under one roof. Co-located services may include libraries, community centres and Council Housing service front of house reception.

Self-service kiosks running RFID technology have been deployed to enable staff from different services to oversee the library provision in busy multi-service buildings, and to allow library staff to deal with more complex enquiries such as public computer support and signposting for customer service enquiries. The Council is seeking to update it's current RFID self service kiosks and associated equipment to provide up to date equipment and to improve the customer experience.

The Council is also interested in the wider options available for the provision of library self-access systems which could provide additional access to library facilities outside of core staffed opening hours. The Council is interested in self-access solutions available from suppliers.

Self-access solutions would provide integrated systems to enable registered and inducted library members to access library buildings at specified times using their library card, to manage their own library loans and payments through self-service kiosks, and to be alerted when the library is due to close. It is assumed that CCTV monitoring would form part of the solution to ensure a safe library space during unstaffed hours.