Capita books cloud library deal with North Yorkshire council

Capita is to provide a cloud-based library management system to North Yorkshire County Council.

The council will upgrade to Capita’s fully-hosted cloud-based Chorus LMS. Chorus will reduce on-site hardware and maintenance overheads, and free library staff from routine administrative responsibilities, enabling them to be re-deployed to customer-facing tasks, said the council.

The council will also use Capita’s web-based staff interface Soprano, an easy to use cloud-based service that provides staff with real-time access to the LMS on any internet-enabled device.

Designed specifically for mobile devices, Soprano will improve stock checking, circulation and picking efficiency, as well as giving staff the ability to issue and return items, make reservations and answer enquiries – without always having to be stuck behind a service desk.

Soprano’s interface will also support the council’s plans to increase the number of volunteer library staff by providing a method of accessing the library system that requires minimal training.

Further efficiencies will be delivered through integration with the council’s finance systems as well as providing customers with the ability to pay library fines and fees online.

Councillor Chris Metcalfe, executive member for libraries, said: “Since 2003, Capita has helped us deliver a library service that really benefits residents. It was clear from the competitive tender that Capita was best placed to further improve the council’s libraries and help deliver the savings that are required over the next five years.”

Karen Reece, head of libraries at Capita’s software services business, said: “The contract is testament to the service we have provided over the last 12 years and the confidence the council has in our ability to generate savings and further improve the region’s library services going forward.”

@AntonySavvas