Media release

Libraries records massive increase in issues

Posted On: Friday, 4 July 2003

Hamilton City Libraries' efforts to turn around a decline in interest in its services have been extremely successful, end-of-year data shows.

Libraries director Faye Clark says she is delighted they have bucked the trend of seven years to record a significant rise in issues.

"Hamilton has previously followed a worrying national trend where communities have showed a steady decrease in interest in what libraries offer. We are delighted that this is turning around in Hamilton, due to all the work put in to launch our new image and a range of new services a year ago. The data is clear that our customers have responded enthusiastically to the changes, and this year we have seen issues rise 8.4 per cent to 1.6 million issues ? figures we haven't seen since 97/98.

"These figures correspond with foot traffic numbers as well, as they steadily increased month by month in the 02/03 financial year (July-June) compared with the previous year. As with issues, foot traffic was slowly declining until July 2002. We now have a total increase of 4 per cent.

"This is hard confirmation that we have taken the right approach, which is extremely heartening given the amount of work so far. It has certainly been a hectic year, with re-painting, a major project to have all libraries using the Dewey Decimal system, and setting up new services such as the Best Seller collection.

"Best Seller, as an example, has been very successful with almost 5000 issues. This is a turnover of 15 a year, compared with an average turnover of five for all other items ? a fantastic result for a brand new service," Ms Clark says.

Social and community committee chair Pippa Mahood echoes Ms Clark, saying she is delighted with the results.

"It was evident that a drastic change was needed if Hamilton City Libraries was to re-establish itself as a relevant and vibrant education and entertainment provider. I am delighted that our strategy so far has been correct, and that we now have a sound platform on which to build for the future."