Good Practices and Innovations in Public Governance 2003-2011

Good Practices and InnovATIONS in Public Governance
have responded with new products and services that create renewal of public library
services and increase the accessibility for the borrowers in general and the disabled
in particular so that everyone can use the libraries on equal terms.
One initiative is AudioIndex – the talking library. AudioIndex provides the visually
impaired with opportunities to benefit from library services and the range of talking
books. When a library user indicates a book using a pointing device, information
about it is read out via the user’s headset. The system can also provide services such
as help with orientation, information about events and book tips. AudioIndex is based
on RFID technology, by which an electronic “tag” equipped with chips is placed on
the spines of the book. They are read using a pointing device from a distance of a few
centimeters. Information about a particular book is retrieved from a database and
converted to speech that is read out via the headset.
The new joint library website, was launched in 2007 and is regarded by many as an
answer to the Library 2.0 concept model:
• The library is an accessible virtual meeting place that is in harmony with the
library’s basic tasks of supplying culture and providing information. These
tasks are predicated on the idea that everyone is equally entitled to cultural
experiences and information;
• The website makes the facilities and services of the library visible and makes
them more accessible;
• The website produces added value for the visitors; and
• The website meets the needs of children and young people as regards library
services.
Approved level of protection is one example of how the libraries contribute to the
objective improved quality. Three municipalities improved alarms, fire protection,
code locks. Another example is the smallest municipality with only 2,500 inhabitants
who increased the book stock from 50,000 to one million books. The System has
regular transports between all the libraries and can provide greater opportunities for
in-service training even in smaller municipalities.
At the beginning, the six libraries started by developing a common infrastructure
that would be the prerequisite and foundation for long-term and sustainable future
cooperation:
• Joint regional server;
• Joint library data system;
• Conversion and matching of four different catalogues into one;
• Joint library catalogues;
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