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OPERATION OF LIBRARY AND ARCHIVAL SERVICE Sligo Libraries rural branches are vital cogs for all members of the community, offering a free inclusive service of book and AV lending, events and activities, as well as PC and Wi-Fi access, printing and online services. Services during the first quarter were halted when the global pandemic was declared. During periods when branches were closed, events were delivered online and use of eServices increased. As Libraries were deemed an essential service and reopened during Phase 2 (June 2020) of the Government Road Map, Library management and staff prepared for this throughout late April and May. Visits to Library branches
56,359
32% decrease on 2019
Issues Overall
127,846
63% decrease on 2019
Issues Physical
57,886
34% decrease on 2019
Issues Online
69,960
140% increase on 2019
Library eServices:
Digital skills classes, customer service via telephone/email, combined with promotion on social media resulted in Sligo Libraries having the second highest use of BorrowBox nationally per population size. 11,236 eBooks borrowed through BorrrowBox 12,856 eAudiobooks borrowed through BorrowBox 8,603 digital magazines borrowed though RBDigital 198,060 newspaper articles accessed through Press Reader 5,577 eLearning lessons taken through Universal Class 1,884 eLanguage learning sessions taken through Transparent Languages
COVID-19 Response
In response to Health and Safety guidelines, works were carried out in all branches to allow for a safe re-opening in June 2020. A process of quarantining of stock was put in place as a mark of quality to ensure the safety of users and staff and to instil a sense of confidence in our customers.
SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 2020
