25 March 1997

The two Mobile Libraries of the Canterbury Public Library network link permanently to the main Library computer on 2 April 1997.

"The new link to the main Library computer means that up to date information about a Mobile Library customer’s issues and returns is available to that customer at any time", said Sue Sutherland, Libraries Manager.

Previously, notebook computers used on the Mobile Libraries allowed books to be returned and issued, but were not "live". The issue and return information on each computer had to be downloaded each night.

The link has been achieved using equipment supplied by Radata Sytems, providing a radio link from each Mobile Library to the Central Library via a repeater on the Port Hills. Trials on the connection had been run for several weeks beforehand to ensure that the connection worked from any of the Mobile Library stops around the City.

Mobile library services have been a feature in the city since 1970 when the first mobile library was introduced by the old Christchurch City Council. Waimairi District Council provided their first Mobile Library in 1979/80.

The two Mobiles now have a stock of approximately 22,500 items between them including magazines, books, tapes, CDs, talking books and reference works. Each week they visit 42 stops city-wide from Brooklands in the north to Templeton in the south and from Queenspark in the east of the city to Russley in the west. In the 1995/96 year they issued just over 213,000 items.

For further information contact:

Sue Sutherland, Libraries Manager 03 372 7851

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