April 14, 2021, Watford, UK—SirsiDynix is delighted to announce that Surrey County Council is the latest member to join The Libraries Consortium (TLC), a rapidly expanding network of public library authorities in the UK, sharing technology, stock and expertise to increase impact at reduced cost.
Surrey has 52 libraries serving 1.2 million people and this is part of the Library Transformation Programme improving services for our residents.
"Surrey Libraries are excited to join the UK's largest consortium, with the enhanced customer experience for all members this will bring. Members will be able to use their library card at any of the 380 member branches, crossing boundaries into London boroughs, and reaching as far as Essex and Luton. Shared catalogues will offer choice from more than 8 million items of stock, which can be delivered to any Surrey Library in days. Pooling staff expertise and fostering innovation will increase our purchasing power and enable development and sharing of new services." Susan Wills, Assistant Director, Lifelong Learning and Culture, Surrey County Council
The Consortium delivers one of the models defined by the British Library's recommendations paper, Digital Transformation for UK public libraries: five approaches to a 'Single Digital Presence', which sets out what a national online platform (or "single digital presence") would look like.
A common, centralised Library Management System, procured at a UK-wide level serves all libraries, and gives customers access to millions more items of stock, with huge diversity of material and a single powerful brand.
"The London Borough of Sutton is pleased to welcome Surrey Libraries to the Libraries Consortium (TLC). We now have 21 authorities who have joined TLC making us the largest Libraries Consortium in the U.K.. The number of customers who benefit from access to 8 million items of physical stock is now at nearly 3 million across 21 boroughs and counties. We have been working with member authorities to develop an innovative platform giving customers access to books, e content, events and services all in one place - a single digital platform", Kelly Saini Badwal, Head of Cultural Services, Sutton Council.
About SirsiDynix
SirsiDynix believes in the power of libraries. Transforming and shaping their communities every day, that power inspires us to connect people with knowledge at more than 23,000 libraries worldwide. SirsiDynix technology combines relevant resources with the Best Library User Experience (BLUE). With our Best-of-Breed approach, SirsiDynix gives libraries the greatest and most expansive range of options for their software. Complemented by the most experienced training, consulting, and support staff in the industry, SirsiDynix helps libraries to reach their highest potential while serving their communities. To find out more, visit www.sirsidynix.com.