Libraries Unlimited runs the public library services for both Devon County Council and Torbay Council, which includes a total of 54 libraries. The library service in Devon had been using iCAM Workstation Control and Printer Control across their sites for over 20 years to manage their PC bookings and print payment and release.
iCAM Wireless Cloud Print
As with many of our customers, Libraries Unlimited found that more and more library visitors were wanting the ability to print from their own devices and in 2022 they appointed Insight Media to install iCAM Wireless Cloud Print across 52 libraries. Following a pilot at two sites, work began in December 2022 and by March 2023 all sites were up and running.
Library members can now log on to the library’s public Wi-Fi, select the document they wish to print on their device, select the library printer and send the document direct to print at one of the libraries. The print is then paid for and released in the library. Alternatively, library members can log in to the print upload page from home (or anywhere else!), upload their document, send it to print at their chosen library, and collect later.
iCAM Wireless Cloud Print integrates seamlessly with Printer Control to enable printing from Android, Apple and Windows phones, tablets and laptops.
Dan Bunce, IT and Digital Manager, Libraries Unlimited said:
“This was a service that was specifically asked for by our customers, and we’re pleased to be able to introduce it around our libraries. We hope this will help communities in these financially challenging times. There’s no need to spend money on having a home printer that is hardly ever used. For as little as 10p a sheet people can get their printing done in the most easy and convenient way. It’s very easy to use and we can even produce larger A3 size prints.”
Eleanor Moss, Service Delivery Manager, South and West Devon and Torbay said:
“We’re really excited to be rolling this out across our libraries – at the request of customers. Our customers can now print from anywhere – from home, in our libraries or on the go. They can login at home using our Cloud printing portal, send to print and collect the same or next day at their nominated library.”
iCAM iKiosk
In order to continue updating their IT infrastructure and improve digital services, Libraries Unlimited purchased new self-service kiosks from D-Tech International, enabling basic transactions such as borrowing, return and renewal of books to be carried out without the intervention of staff, thus freeing up staff for more complex tasks and dealing with customer queries.
As part of this project, Libraries Unlimited took the decision to purchase iCAM iKiosk software for all 60 kiosks, providing enhanced functionality and integration with print payment and release. The user interface is simple and intuitive, with iCAM features accessed on the kiosk by scanning a library membership card or typing in a borrower number and selecting the required service via the touch screen.
The implementation of our kiosk software solution is a natural addition for customers using iCAM Printer Control, providing enhanced self-service functionality and an enriched user experience.
The iKiosk software reduces queues at the counter and improves operational productivity, providing benefits for both staff and users:
Reduces staff involvement in the management of public printing
Reduces queues at the counter
Provides enhanced self-service functionality for users
This investment is an important part of the commitment the library service has made to invest in its libraries and upgrade infrastructure, enabling libraries to remain warm, welcoming places and offering the latest technology to customers.
Neil Johnson, Director, Insight Media commented:
“Libraries Unlimited’s investment in technology is indicative of the direction in which more and more library services are travelling. The use of self-service kiosks, improved
printing options and the freeing up of staff allows library customers to access the services they need, in the way they wish. Staff are available for help and queries, while
simpler transactions can be self-served. We were delighted to work with Libraries Unlimited and D-Tech International on this project, and to demonstrate the breadth of
ways in which Insight Media’s products can integrate to provide enhanced services for users.”
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