William Eichler 16 January 2017

Library services should be more accessible for e-readers, report says

Council library services should be doing more to encourage people to use e-readers, says survey.

Socitm, the society for digital leaders, have published a Better Connected survey report into the accessibility of council library e-books, e-magazines and e-audio services.

Nearly half (45%) of sites achieved three or four stars in Socitm’s report, denoting they were providing a good or very good service.

The main failing, the survey revealed, was the lack of good, clear explanations of how to use e-books and other e-resources.

Only 41% of council websites scored a ‘Yes’ answer to the question Is the process for borrowing e-books clear including whether/how I need to 'return' ebooks?

Fewer than 60% scored a ‘yes’ for the question Are there clear instructions on how to access and use e-resources?

The report said those responsible for managing library website pages need to account for the fact that processes for borrowing e-books, magazines and audio resources are ‘different’ and ‘more complicated’ than traditional book borrowing and that readers will often need to download software or apps.

Socitm complimented East Sussex CC, Kent CC, Staffordshire CC and Suffolk CC for their approaches to providing e-library services.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay Award Pending)
Do you want to work in an ambitious Local Authority with strong leadership and partnership commitment to Children’s Services? Durham County Council a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SENDIASS Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
An exciting and rewarding opportunity has arisen within the busy and fast paced SEND Information, Advice, Support Service (SENDIASS). The service has Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Residential Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650- £33,483
Class Teacher MPS 1 -2   £31,650- £33,483 Temporary – required from Monday 1st September 2025 (subject to DBS) until 31st August 2026 25 hours per wee Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner