Libraries – driving a digital future for Scotland

The Scottish Government published its Digital Public Services Framework  on the 19th of September. The document sets out the vision and helps shape how the Scottish Government will move forward with their priority of public service reform over the coming years.

It puts the needs of users at the heart of services.  We know online services mean that we can access information when we require it, pay a bill or even arrange social care in a simple and quick way. The strategy outlines how different organisations can join up across all sectors to deliver services in a more responsive way.

So where is our library and information leadership? This is our opportunity to put forward a business case for libraries now and  in the future Who is going to keep people skilled up? Who will people trust to access much of this?

I believe the future of libraries is in driving and  underpinning this strategy and making it a reality for real people.

Join us at Libraries driving a digital future at the VOCAL conference

An APP(t) reminder

One of the first fully transactional public library smartphone apps in the UK, the Edinburgh Library app:

• Out shopping and seen a book you want to read? Scan the barcode on the back cover to your phone and the libraries app will search the catalogue to see if the library has a copy you can reserve.
• Couldn’t get to the library to renew your books and DVDs ? Use the Edinburgh Libraries app to log in to your account and do it there and then wherever you are.
• Keep forgetting your library membership card ? Scan it in to you phone and you won’t need to worry in future. The scan will work on self service and at traditional library counters.

Edinburgh Libraries updated smart phone app is now available and if you already have the previous version you can quickly update it on your phone.

If you are not a member you can still use the app to search the library catalogue, find the nearest Edinburgh library to where you are, when it’s open and how to get there, or just follow the Literary Map of Edinburgh.

Future planning and new models

I am really pleased to be speaking on “It’s time for the future “ at the Future planning and new models  session at the International Internet Librarian 2012 conference in London  on the 30th October

Even at this time of economic pressure, Edinburgh’s public libraries are delivering real innovation and creativity. Edinburgh’s Library and Information Service is delivering a new model for libraries across the city, based on a strategic approach which borrows from the retail sector to deliver ‘Next generation library and information services’.

Hope to see you there

Move over Orange!

Haven’t I got the smartest team!

Negotiation , partnership development, marketing acumen, skills in social media and technology………………. is us!

Those lovely folks at the Cameo cinema are offering 2 for 1 entry to showings of Liberal Arts to Edinburgh library card holders. Check out our Tales of One City blog