5. Mobile library standards
5.1 Objective
5.2 Standards
5.3 Performance Indicators
To provide a public library service via a specially designed and equipped vehicle to those people who do not have convenient access to a local static public library.
Requirements for the planning, vehicle selection, fitting-out and operation of a mobile library service are outlined in Mobile Library Guidelines by Robert Pestell: IFLA Round Table on Mobile Libraries, The Hague, Netherlands, 1991. This publication, together with the additional standards listed constitute the standards for mobile library service in Queensland. It should be noted that in most respects standards applying to static libraries also apply to mobile libraries.
Mobile library services should be included in all library planning, including user surveys, long range planning and corporate/strategic plans.
5.2.1 Planning
5.2.1.1 Area to be Served
A mobile library is an appropriate service delivery point when community library needs cannot be met by static sites; for example:
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Growth area - until demand is such to warrant the establishment of a static branch;
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Where static service points are not viable;
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Where the population of an area is scattered.
5.2.1.2 Population Distribution
In addition to scattered population areas, a mobile library can provide an appropriate service to patrons who are isolated or under-resourced. Planning should include contact with government departments and other service providers to identify these potential users:
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Schools whose library resources can be augmented with a mobile library service;
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Nursing homes and retirement villages;
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New housing developments.
5.2.1.3 Forward Planning
The strength of a well planned mobile library service is its flexibility. It can immediately respond to changes in the demographics of the areas serviced.
A mobile library replacement fund should be part of forward planning. The life of an integrated vehicle should not exceed 10 years. The life of the library body of an articulated vehicle should not exceed 15 years.
5.2.2 Vehicles
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Reference should be made to the relevant Department of Transport regulations and local government laws and policies.
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It is important that the vehicle has sufficient engine power, particularly if it is to operate in hilly areas.
In the case of semi-trailers, power should be not less that 180 kilowatts and construction should be as for heavy duty freight vehicles. Long wheel-base vehicles prevent potential problems with fitting generator sets. Prime movers should be of the 'cab over' variety for manoeuvrability and driver visibility, and should be of sufficient horsepower to tow trailers.
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Vehicles should be fitted with air suspension to protect the contents of the library and reduce maintenance requirements.
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Air conditioning is essential. Medium to large mobile libraries require at least two quiet units of BTU 10,700 each. In tropical areas a third unit may be required.
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While advantage should be taken of opportunities for natural lighting, control of heat and glare by tinted glass and easily manipulated and secured and attractive window coverings should be possible. Audio-visual material should be protected from direct sunlight.
A battery-powered light should be available for use at night when site power has been disconnected.
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A generator capable of powering lights and at least one air conditioning unit should be fitted. This is necessary as an emergency back up even if all scheduled stops have power available. Selection and location of the generator should aim at the lowest possible noise level. The noise level should be monitored regularly.
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Doors should be easy and safe to operate. They should be light enough to be operated by elderly patrons and young children.
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Steps must allow easy and safe access for all ages. Slide-out steps should be at least 300mm wide.
Provision should be made for patrons unable to use steps.
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Interiors should be lined with heavy duty, easily cleaned materials. The interior should be waterproof.
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Placement of the circulation desk should minimise congestion. All drawers and storage cupboards should be fitted with safety catches.
If a laptop computer is used, secure storage should be provided to protect it while the vehicle is moving. Mountings for hardware should be padded to minimise the effect of vibrations.
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Other equipment and fittings used in static libraries should, where possible, be provided in mobile libraries including toilet and hand-washing facilities.
5.2.3 The Mobile Library Depot
Whether the vehicle is to be parked at a works department or adjacent to a static library, secure, undercover parking is essential.
5.2.4 Scheduling
A mobile library schedule should aim to maximise the use of the service. Scheduled stops should be made at agreed points of congregation or community focal points.
5.2.4.1 Opening Times
Criteria for opening hours should be the same as for static libraries. One hour should be the minimum opening time per scheduled community stop. Stops should be visited no less than once every three weeks.
5.2.4.2 Travel and Preparation Times
Greater than the minimum travelling time between stops should be allowed for traffic delays, minor mechanical problems and comfort stops.
The schedule should allow at least 15 minutes at the beginning and end of each day for safety checks and preparing the vehicle for the day's run and tidying up afterwards. The schedule should aim to allow 15 minutes before opening and after closing each stop for setting up and packing up.
5.2.4.3 Other Scheduling Considerations
A minimum of half a day, preferably one day per week off the road should be allowed for regular maintenance, cleaning and administrative work.
Where the service is operated by one person it is preferable to schedule lunch and other breaks away from scheduled stops or make allowance when the schedule does not permit them to be taken.
5.2.4.4 Variation to the Schedule
Criteria must be established for the temporary closure of a stop and these criteria publicised, for example, a particular dirt road may be unsafe during wet weather.
Procedures for notification of the public when the mobile library is to miss a scheduled stop both at short notice and with advanced notice need to be established along with alternative arrangements for returns.
Schedules should be reviewed regularly but changes minimised.
A circulation of less than 50 issues per hour for a period of 6 months should be the measure of a scheduled stop's viability but promotional possibilities should be exhausted before a stop is removed from a schedule.
5.2.4.5 Scheduled Stops
Sites must be level.
Parking spaces for the vehicle should be reserved along with reasonable room for safe approach and egress without the need for reversing.
Councils and other responsible authorities must ensure maintenance of the area surrounding a service point, for example, that the grass is mowed regularly and that clearance of trees is assured.
Adequate parking should be available while avoiding busy roads which could endanger patrons. Parking spaces and public approaches to the mobile library's entrance should be sealed.
The stop's location should ensure high visibility of the vehicle.
Where a service operates at night, both the vehicle and the approaches to it should be illuminated.
A large and prominent sign at each stop should advertise opening hours (stopping times) and feature a contact phone number. These signs must be regularly maintained, kept current and visible.
Each service point should have power and where appropriate, telephone or other communications links available close to the mobile library parking space. The bases of power outlet boxes should be no more than 150cm high. Placement of cables between the vehicle and power source must conform with workplace health and safety requirements.
Power boxes should be regularly cleaned and fumigated for insects using non-flammable spray.
5.2.5 Stock
Allocation of new stock should be related to levels of usage, i.e. the mobile library's percentage of a library service's total loans. Mobile library staff should participate in the selection process and ensure patron's suggestions are implemented.
It is desirable that all categories of library items should be made available, including periodicals. A list of periodicals held at other branches of a library service should be permanently displayed. The proportions should vary to meet usage patterns and reflect the needs and interests of the community served.
An efficient request service is important to overcome the lack of direct access to a large collection. The service must operate with enough flexibility to allow for limited opening hours at each service point, for example, interlibrary loans should be requested for longer than usual periods to accommodate variations in travelling times to be accommodated in schedules.
5.2.6 Staff
Staffing provision for mobile libraries should be of the same standard as for static libraries.
It is essential to ensure that the number of staff members on the mobile library is commensurate with the amount of activity on board.
Where available, specialist professional staff, for example, a children's librarian should be rostered to work on the mobile library periodically.
Initial and on-going training, including driver training, must be provided for all mobile library staff. Drivers must possess appropriate licences for the class of vehicle in service.
5.2.7 Safety
Staff should be trained in basic mechanical troubleshooting and maintenance, and regularly updated in defensive driving.
The mobile library should be fitted with a personal security alarm system. All vehicles should be fitted with appropriate external communication links.
Fire extinguishers should be fitted in both the driver's cabin and in the library.
An effective emergency escape exit should be available and clearly marked. An evacuation plan should be in place and all staff, including relief staff, be familiar with the plan.
Safety triangles should be carried for use during stoppages due to breakdown.
First aid kits should be carried and the staff hold a current first aid certificate.
(i) Access to full range of services and collections available within the library service;
(ii) Schedule assessed as appropriate for users and location.
Last updated: 21st January 2009
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