Open+ Libraries Evaluation

Open+ Libraries is a self-service function that increases the hours people can use the libraries in Tameside. Weekly hours were extended from 276 to 495 hours so that people who would like to can use their library in unstaffed time.

This survey asked those who use Open+ Libraries – users were encouraged to complete the survey while using their library in the newly implemented hours – for their views on how the new system was working.

Nearly 60% of respondents normally used the library during Open+ hours, with the vast majority using the library during Open+ hours in order to borrow, return, or renew items and pay charges via the self-service machines.

Just under half of respondents found it very easy to access the library during the extended hours, with a quarter finding it easy, and 15% finding it difficult. When asked how useful the extended Open+ hours were, 72% found the Open+ hours to be either useful or very useful, whilst 18% found them to be not useful at all. Of those who found the Open+ hours to be useful, the majority said this was because of the fact there was more opportunity to use the library due to longer opening hours.

When asked to provide comments and suggestions on how to improve Open+ Libraries, notable responses centred on the lack of staff, in regard to both personal safety and lack of assistance, as well as finding the use of technology uncomfortable.

The feedback received from this consultation was positive in regard to the implementation of Open+ libraries. The longer opening hours, ease of access, and usefulness of Open+ were all in particular noted.

Prior to the Open+ model, libraries across Tameside had two closed days per week (excluding Sundays). With the implementation of Open+, the libraries are now available on these previously closed days and have seen their opening hour’s increase, from 276 to 495 per week, enabling customers to access times they were previously unable to. This has both significantly increased accessibility and reduced the cost to run the service, securing the future of the libraries across the Borough.