Blog: About self-service time in libraries and how to spend it

Self-service libraries have improved the library access opportunities for Imatra residents for several years. The Rajapatsaan self-service library was opened on January 25, 2018. The brand new Vuoksenniska library followed in March 2019, and the main library also followed in August 2021, when the corona situation eased.

The autonomy of libraries is a wonderful service, based on trust in library users. Few warm and bright indoor spaces are open to anyone without an entrance fee, constant supervision or the obligation to spend money. Fortunately, the past years have passed mostly without difficulties, but every now and then – mainly in autumn when the weather turns cool and rainy – a few library users test the limits of trust.

It is not right that a library has to limit its opening hours because of a small group. However, there are few alternatives. Most disruptive behaviorists know how to sneak into the library either on the wing of a friend or another customer, by opening the door at the same time. And once one wrongdoer has gotten in, it is easy for him to open the door for others. Therefore, self-restrictions imposed on individual library cards are only minimal and temporary help.

It would also not be right to completely ban self-service libraries for everyone under 15 or 18 years of age, for example. Young people do not cause all the problems in self-service libraries, and only a small percentage of young people cause difficulties. In principle, public library services must be open to everyone, regardless of age.

Libraries have camera surveillance, but investigating incidents afterwards, identifying the parties involved and contacting them is a laborious and time-consuming process. Contacting them almost exclusively leads to positive results, but library staff have limited time for this in addition to their basic work. Security guards' visits and presence are effective methods in troubled situations, but they also cost a lot of money. The library would rather spend that money on a wider presence of its own staff; in addition to maintaining order, a library officer can advise on the use of equipment, recommend reading material and, for example, discuss the weather during the Christmas season.

Have a peaceful and well-behaved Christmas in self-service libraries and everywhere else!

Librarian Mika Kähkönen
mika. kahkonenimatra.fi (mika[dot]kahkonen[at]imatra[dot]fi)
p. 020 617 6602

Library Service Manager Jesse Lindström
jesse.lindstromimatra.fi (jesse[dot]lindstrom[at]imatra[dot]fi)
p. 020 617 6611