The Council will upgrade to Capita's fully-hosted cloud-based Chorus LMS. Chorus will reduce on-site hardware and maintenance overheads, and free library staff from routine administrative responsibilities, enabling them to be re-deployed to customer-facing tasks.

The Council will also utilise Capita's web-based staff interface Soprano, an easy to use cloud-based service that provides staff with real-time access to the LMS on any internet-enabled device. Designed specifically for mobile devices, Soprano will improve stock checking, circulation and picking efficiency, as well as giving staff the ability to issue and return items, make reservations and answer enquiries, without having to be stuck behind the service desk.

Soprano's intuitive user interface will also support the council's plans to increase the number of volunteer library staff by providing a method of accessing the library system that requires minimal training.

Further efficiencies will be delivered through integration with the council's finance systems as well as providing customers with the ability to pay library fines and fees online. This will provide the library users of North Yorkshire with the online services they expect from the Council.

Councillor Chris Metcalfe, Executive Member for Libraries, said: 'Since 2003 Capita has helped us deliver a library service that really benefits residents. It was clear from the competitive tender that Capita was best placed to further improve the Council's libraries and help deliver the savings that are required over the next five years.'

Karen Reece, head of libraries at Capita's software services business, said: 'We are very proud to have been re-appointed by North Yorkshire County Council. It is testament to the service we have provided over the last 12 years and the confidence the Council has in our ability to generate savings and further improve the region's library services going forward.'

Capita plc issued this content on 2016-01-06 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 2016-01-13 00:05:04 UTC

Original Document: http://www.capita.co.uk/news-and-opinion/news/2016/north-yorkshire-county-council-selects-capita-to-deliver-its-library-management-system