Borrowing from Bankstown City Council’s five libraries is set to become even faster with the introduction of the latest Smart Tag technology.

Mayor Khal Asfour said borrowers will soon no longer need to wait for a librarian to check materials out or back in on their return.

“Under the Smart Library Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system, people can simply do it themselves at the self serve kiosks we are installing,” Mayor Asfour said.

“The Smart Tags detect items immediately on being returned and they are automatically cleared off the borrower’s library card.

“The self-check out computer will issue a receipt and also allow for DVDs to be unlocked after being borrowed.

“The self-service extends to smart shelves for the collection of reservations so borrowers can also place a reservation via the library online catalogue, receive an automatic notification and collect from the smart shelves in no time at all.

“As a result of these changes, library staff will be able to spend more time helping people find the answers to their assignment questions, provide the best resources for homework and locate the latest great read.”

On top of these improvements, residents will no longer be affected by the temporary closure of libraries for stocktakes with items able to be scanned while they are on the shelves with a hand-held inventory reader. Items out of proper order can also be indentified.

Mayor Asfour said the Smart Tag service will be gradually introduced at all five locations in response to community feedback.

“We have started with Chester Hill because its items will be relocated to other facilities later this year when it undergoes a $1.4 million redevelopment,” Mayor Asfour said.

The Smart Tag system is the latest service being provided by Council at its libraries.

Other services provided include:
• Online computer access;
• WiFi Hotspots;
• Computer classes;
• Baby Rhymetime;
• Pre-school storytimes;
• Summer reading club;
• HSC support programs; and
• Community notice boards.