Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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163. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the rationale for funding the surveillance and other technologies necessary to run a staffless library that opens later than staffed libraries, rather than funding extra staff for these libraries so that they can extend their opening hours. [35627/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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'My Open Library' is an initiative under Opportunities for All, the national public library strategy 2013-2017 and is part of a strategy to address customer demand. To this end, 'My Open Library' allows library members the freedom and flexibility to use the library at times that suit them. It provides additional opening hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days-per-week, ensuring access to library services for users who cannot avail of them during regular staffed hours.

An extended pilot phase of the 'My Open Library' initiative will commence in 22 branches from January 2017 and, subject to review, will be considered for wider introduction across the public library network thereafter. The review will consider, among other things, the cost of the service compared with alternative approaches to improving access for library users.

The set-up and operating costs of 'My Open Library' technology are relatively modest. These costs cover the installation of security technology; however, they also cover technologies that enhance services during both staffed and unstaffed hours. These include, for example, self-service technologies that free up staff to provide greater assistance and information to users, and to deliver other services such as literacy development, digital literacy and outreach programmes.

There will be no reduction in staffing levels or staffed hours as a result of the 'My Open Library' service. A professional and skilled library staff is vital for a successful library service and my Department is working with local authorities to enhance staffing resources and extend staffed library hours.