Page 334 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 12 May 1992

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MINISTER FOR URBAN SERVICES

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION

QUESTION NO 20

Library Service - BOOK Plus System

MR CORNWELL - asked the Minister for the Arts:

(1) What was the cost of installing the computerised borrowing system, BOOK Plus, in ACT public libraries.

(2) Has any study been conducted as to the savings achieved

by this system in terms of book borrowing control, ie.

any reduction in lost or stolen books.

(3) If a study has been conducted, what were its findings.

(4) If a study has not been conducted, why not.

MR CONNOLLY - to answer the question to my colleague:

(1) The cost of installing the ACT Library Services automated system is $1.1 million over a five year implementation period from 1988/89 to 1992/93.

(2) The BOOK Plus system is still in its fourth year of implementation and while no formal study has been carried out so far, there have been a number of benefits/savings:

a) In 1988/89 (pre-automation) 1.7 million loans were

recorded.Based on year to date figures it is

estimated that loans for 1991/92 will reach 2.5

million. This increase has been achieved with no

additional staff.

b) The introduction of the on-line catalogue has

eliminated the need for the production and

replacement of microfiche, a saving of approximately

34,000 pa.

c) The automated system has provided a degree of protection of the librarys collections and compliance with the requirements of the Audit Act previously not possible. In particular: management reporting facilities which assist with more effective management and control of the collections regular and accurate stocktakes, audit trails of borrowings and outstanding loans.

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