State Central Library urged to introduce ‘self-check kiosks’ and ‘book drop boxes’

The State Central Library in Thiruvananthapuram has been advised to introduce ‘self-check kiosks’ and ‘book drop boxes’ that enable members to take and return books without the assistance of librarians.

The suggestion forms part of a slew of recommendations made by the Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department (P&ARD) for streamlining the library operation. Self-check kiosks would enable members to issue and return books on their own. ‘Book Drop’ boxes will allow them to return books even after library hours, the recently-published P&ARD report on the library said.

The P&ARD report also urges the library management to explore whether digital membership cards equipped with QR codes can replace the physical cards now issued to members. Further, it has been advised to streamline the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system and introduce an online payment gateway for the payment of fines.

All these measures are aimed to reducing the workload of librarians and enabling redeployment of staff. “Only by moving away from traditional administrative systems and by redeploying hands in a scientific manner and by incorporating digital technology can the operations of the State Central Library be made more transparent and people-friendly,” the P&ARD report said.

Established in 1829, the State Central Library possesses one of the finest book collections in India.

Further, the report contained a number of recommendations for finetuning the library’s Revenue Recovery Division, which handles cases where books have not been returned for long periods - in some instances, months or even years. The introduction of an ‘early warning system’ is the best way to reduce workload in the division, according to the work study.

The library has been advised to issue automated alerts via SMS, WhatsApp or e-mail to remind members of the approaching due date for returning the books. After a prescribed time limit, the fine should be ‘auto-adjusted’ against the security deposit of the member, the report suggested. At the same time, the report urged the library to treat revenue recovery as a ‘preventive measure’ rather than a punitive action.