Our customers - their experiences, stories and feedback.
The 2021 public library survey results from netloan cover PC use, digital skills support and planned technology investments in libraries. They also look at how services are being restored and how uptake is returning post lockdown.
This paper explores the relationship between libraries and high streets. It draws upon the perspectives and plans of several public library authorities and identifies how libraries can bring practical support and a brighter future to our town centres...
Libraries are widely relied on for their online resources and assisted digital services, along with the computers, equipment and know how that many would be lost without. Their role is only increasing as they continue providing help with new technologies, gadgets and apps.
The A-Z of Library Digital Services is ideal for social media sharing and displaying on your library or office wall. Download or print off a copy here.
Library authorities are investing in their computer, Wi-Fi and printing facilities at a time when their communities are in ever greater need of digital support. At Newham Libraries, a computer refresh and reinvigorated digital strategy has been supported by Lorensbergs with the introduction of netloan PC booking, Wi-Fi, print solutions and kiosk integration.
Self-service options at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) Libraries have been boosted with the introduction of card and contactless payments for releasing prints at the selfCheck kiosks. It’s been gladly welcomed by customers and staff at the libraries...
This collection of short stories offers the perspectives of twelve library authorities on providing computers to the public. The book comprises reflective and thought provoking case studies on how the People's Network of library computers continues to meet critical needs within our communities. As a second volume, it highlights the ongoing importance of providing this fundamental library service for equality of opportunity in this digital age...
This case study explores the successful relaunch of equipment lending services at Edge Hill University, looking at how the service was organised before the adoption of connect2, and how it's been improved for both students and staff.
Hertfordshire Libraries has completed the launch of a modern wireless printing service across all 44 of its branches using netloan Wi-Fi print. Jean Holmes, Head of Libraries, and Emma Ryder, Business Systems Development Officer, talked to Lorensbergs about how the project progresses their Inspiring Libraries strategy while meeting widespread customer need...
At a recent netloan user group, we were excited to hear from Bristol Libraries on how their self-service set up has been adding value to library services. Self-service kiosks enable customers to reserve PCs and pay for printing, alleviating staff of routine admin duties during staffed hours. It also complements Bristol Libraries’ use of bibliotheca’s Open+ service for unstaffed extended hours of access...
Wi-Fi printing at Slough Libraries is an important part of the digital offer and a service they are proud to provide. Lorensbergs talked with Patsy To, Operational Manager for Libraries and Culture at Slough, about the library’s introduction of netloan Wi-Fi print and how it’s been welcomed by staff and customers.
Wakefield District Council in West Yorkshire has 13 local libraries, with a total of 260 public access PCs on the People’s Network. The method for managing PC access and data reporting required improvement across the service. Sue Eustace, Assistant Library Manager, liaised with Lorensbergs regarding the library service moving to netloan for PC session management and Wi-Fi authentication.
This review explores a number of recent major library projects involving Lorensbergs' netloan PC booking software customers. Following these projects, use of library services has increased in response to the modern and inviting facilities provided. They have also created some inspiring new urban landmarks. In each case, the digital offer developed and provided by these libraries is a core part of services – an essential element that we are committed to supporting and developing through our netloan portfolio.
A new book that marks the continuing importance of the People’s Network of public library computers saw its official launch at the annual CILIP Conference in Manchester this month. Detailing the experiences of ten library authorities, Short Stories from the People’s Network demonstrates how computers in libraries continue to offer their communities a lifeline for many critical tasks that can now only be achieved with internet access.
Coventry University kindly invited the connect2 team to spend time with them to get invaluable feedback.
As public libraries look to develop their digital services, many are focused on how to build on Wi-Fi investment and expand the digital offer beyond provision of the People’s Network.
Paul Hatch, Information Development Officer from Lancashire Libraries, and Mark Greenwood, Senior Solutions Architect from BT Lancashire Services (BTLS) which manages Lancashire County Council’s (LCC) ICT Services, spoke to Lorensbergs about their vision for libraries and their experience introducing wireless printing with netloan Wi-Fi print.
With the initial lockdown lifting on library services, Lorensbergs researched how public libraries in the UK reintroduced their PC, printing and Wi-Fi services.
The 2020 public library survey results from netloan highlight the vital work libraries have undertaken throughout the pandemic and their important role in supporting economic recovery...
The State University of New York (SUNY) at Fredonia is a four-year liberal arts college. It is a constituent college of the State University of New York, best known for its bachelor's degree programs in music and education.
Twenty years ago a newly published report sowed the seeds of what was to become the People’s Network (PN) of computers in libraries. The project was part of the government agenda to equip the UK for the information age.
Since this time we’ve seen how libraries have developed their services to deliver on this vision, integrating ICT provision into their day-to-day operations. Digging into the archives of Government reports and drawing on the memories of our library customers and Lorensbergs’ staff, we explore what has been the UK’s biggest publicly funded and most successful ICT initiative of its kind...
A new infographic template from Lorensbergs makes it easy for you to promote your library’s ICT services, including PC and Wi-Fi usage. Available as a complimentary resource, the infographic is easy to customise with your metrics and will be invaluable for raising your library’s profile in delivering essential digital services.
At Staffordshire Libraries, the People’s Network roll out of library computers was a massive project. It modernised more than just the facilities in libraries, but their public image too. Simon Warren, Client Services Team Leader, recollects how his team rolled out 640 PCs in under a year to meet the launch deadline...
The Psychology Department at Portsmouth University implemented the connect2 online booking system to manage their equipment and resource loans. Here we speak to Dave Forrester, Technical Manager, about the introduction of the new system and the improvements it’s brought to the department...
This whitepaper reviews technology provision across UK public library authorities. It focuses on People’s Network PCs, Wi-Fi and wireless printing, considers the operating systems and deployment methods in place, and compares ICT resourcing structures…
A year after the reopening of Manchester Central Library following a massive renovation project, the City Council's ICT Community Applications and Library Customer Service managers discuss how they worked with Lorensbergs throughout the project. They also cover how netloan PC booking supports their management of public computer access across all district library sites.
According to Lorensbergs research as many as 75% of LRCs continue to invest in more PCs. A study carried out by Loughborough and York universities estimates 60-90% of PC time is used for academic work, while other devices are used for this purpose only 20% of the time…
Public libraries predict significant increases in demands on staff time and public access computers following Universal Credit roll out, according to new findings from lorensbergs, the market leader in PC booking and session management software…
Luton were looking to replace their existing PC booking solution with one that was more flexible and offered more control over bookings.
In our case study with the Media Resources Department at University of the West of England, we discuss how connect2 is used to manage their Media Centre resources.
In our case study with Perth and Kinross Council, we speak to Darren Ragsdell, Library Systems Assistant at A K Bell Library, about the implementation of netloan Wi-Fi to meet rising demands from customers.
In our case study with Dorset County Council, we speak to Liz Webb, Technical Support Officer, about using netloan to manage 214 PCs in their libraries.
In our case study with Dudley College we speak to Richard Gibbons (Learning Resources Co-ordinator) who switched to ‘netloan’ to improve the management of student PC bookings.
Bury were looking for a self-service PC booking solution that centralised all information for the benefit of both citizens and staff.
The 2019 netloan public library survey offers vital insights into libraries' services and their future plans. Circulated late last year, over 70 library authorities have taken part. The results are now available for download.
The 2018 netloan public library survey was circulated late last Autumn to all netloan public library customers which together represent over half of the UK public library sector. The findings offer vital insights into libraries' services and their future plans. Results are now available for download.
Philippa Bryant, Head of Market Research at lorensbergs, spoke to University Business about how improving access to resources through online booking empowers students to get more from their institutions
Netloan helps Mid Cheshire College administer 93 PCs spread across three library centres and two campuses.
Lifelong learning is under the spotlight as the subject of the latest post from the Libraries Taskforce's series on how libraries deliver. We look back on an interview with David Walters, Idea Store Operations Manager, Tower Hamlets Council, as he talks about the success of the London borough’s Idea Stores prior to hosting the London and South East 2014 netloan user group.
Where did the concept of the ‘Idea Store’ come from?
It all began with a public consultation exercise over 10 years ago. “For the people of Tower Hamlets having resources that provide opportunity for education and attainment was the key to a desirable local library service” says David. The result was a reimagining of the traditional library service and a merger of Libraries and Adult Learning...
Lorensbergs talks to the Central Library staff at Imperial College London to find out how they manage both study room bookings and workshop registrations and attendance using the connect2 solution.
Swinburne University of Technology talked to Lorensbergs about their use of connect2 equipment scheduling and checkout software to manage student access to resources.
The service supports a core part of their studies for classes in journalism, media and communication, animation, screen production and design...
Every production strives for gorgeous lighting, crisp audio, and high-quality video, but getting these results often depends on what video production equipment was used. The choices you face when building out your equipment kit can be overwhelming, so we put together this list to help you sort everything out and get started building a kit of your own.
For university equipment stores with large amounts of stock, finding efficient ways to barcode items is practically a way of life! For these folks, barcoding always pays off in both time and money. So who better to give advice about barcode inventory systems than two of our connect2 equipment booking customers: Rowan University and Leeds Trinity University. Read on to hear their stories…
Nicki Bobbette is the Librarian for Digital Information and Skills at North Somerset Libraries. She has worked for the library for almost 20 years, and has long experience of using netloan since it was first installed back in 2006.
A recent change in role has given Nicki administrator responsibility for managing PC sessions through the netloan system, so we got in touch to hear how it was going as library services continue to ease away from operating under covid restrictions.
How you set out the user’s responsibilities in your equipment rental agreement presents an important opportunity. The right terms and conditions cover you if items are lost or damaged. More than this, a well-worded agreement encourages responsible use from the start. So it leads to happier customers and fewer problems. But what exactly should you include?