Tameside library users will have to access millions more books, users will soon be able to borrow books from other libraries across the region.
To mark National Libraries Day on 6 February 10 councils have announced the
launch of a shared online catalogue system giving access to 2.8 million
books and other items held with the participating library services
The system will go live in Tameside in the summer, when library users will
be able to search for books in any of the participating councils reserving items using their existing Tameside Libraries card.
As well as Tameside residents, people in Manchester, Bolton, Oldham, Rochdale,
Salford, Stockport, Trafford, Blackburn and Darwen will be able to access the shared
Library Management System (LMS).
The scheme will make it easier for customers to find information and books, creating
a single library catalogue for all the different areas. People will be able to
reserve stock belonging to other participating library services - then collect and
return the items, using a convenient branch of the other councils library network.
Ged Cooney, responsible for Tameside libraries, said: "The new Library Management System will enable our customers in Tameside to enjoy easy access to books held in libraries right across Greater Manchester."
Interim mayor of Greater Manchester, Tony Lloyd, added: "This is another example of Greater Manchester’s councils working together in partnership for the benefit of local people. This initiative will give residents across the conurbation the chance to share the wealth of literature Greater Manchester has to offer and I encourage everyone to take full advantage of it."
Arts Council England has provided funding to support the project.
Darren Henley, chief executive of Arts Council England, said:
"This initiative is an excellent example of how libraries can work together to provide
better and more efficient services for their users. Greater Manchester libraries
should be congratulated on this new development and Im pleased that the Arts
Council has been able to help fund it."