Pvt libraries offer dial-a-book system

Pvt libraries offer dial-a-book system

Yogesh.Kabirdoss@timesgroup.com

Chennai:06.06.2020

Next time you drop in a neighbourhood library, the visit may be limited to collecting books reserved for you.

The pandemic has changed the experience of readers associated with private libraries as such institutions are gradually reopening.

Private libraries are beginning to introduce dial-a-book system or reserve-titles-online method whereby a member can call a library and reserve a book or visit the institution’s portal online to reserve a title. Later, the member can pick up the books at counters and need not have to spend more time on library premises. The outbreak of pandemic has brought in new challenges to ensure the safety of readers.

Chennai and its suburbs have 45 leading lending libraries besides several small ones with a collection of titles ranging from 8,000 to 10,000 and active membership of 200 to 400.

R Sasikala of Read n Rejoice, a library at Medavakkam, said a feature to reserve titles would be introduced on their library’s portal. “We already have a catalogue online. Now, our members can reserve their choices on our website and collect them at the library counter,” she said. Books returned will not be circulated for three days as part of safety measures, she added.

Some libraries may still allow members to search titles from racks but trim their timing. P Sathish Kumar, managing director of Easwari Lending Library, said to maintain social distancing only three members are allowed for a span of five minutes to search books at their library branches.

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