Self-Access Libraries
Self-Access at Stafford Library
Stafford Library is now offering Self-Access to library customers with extended opening hours!
Self Access hours are:
Monday to Friday 8 am until 10 am. From 10 am you can access the library as normal.
What is a Self-Access Library?
How does Self-Access Work?
Who can use the library in Self-Access Mode?
Registering for Self-Access membership
What can I do during Self-Access mode?
What can’t I do during Self-Access mode?
Accessing the library during Self-Access hours
Change over from staffed service to Self-Access
Change over from Self-Access to staffed
Leaving the library
Self-Access closing time
Your Safety
A library fitted with ‘smart technology’ that can allow library users to access the building during unstaffed hours. The technology enables customers to use their library card to access the library via the automatic doors. And to use the library to borrow books or use the Public Access PCs. Smart technology allows Staffordshire Libraries to extend Stafford library’s hours, so that more people can use the library at times convenient to them.
Self-Access enables you to use the library when there are no staff present. After a short induction, your library card will be updated, and this will enable you to swipe into the library during Self-Access hours.
You will need your library card and PIN to access the library during Self-Access hours.
- People aged 16 and over are eligible for Self-Access membership.
- People who have not received a verbal or written warning from a member of staff in the last 2 years.
- People under the age of 16 can access the library during Self-Access hours but must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or carer who is over 18 and a Self-Access member.
Staffordshire Library Service reserves the right to refuse Self-Access membership if it is felt there are sufficient grounds to do so.
- Join the library - if you are not already a library member.
- Complete a short induction, this will provide you with the information you need to use Stafford Library safely and responsibly during Self-Access hours.
- Agree to adhere by the "What is a Self-Access Library" instructions, Health and Safety procedures and customer agreement.
- Borrow, return, and renew items and pay charges using the self-service kiosks.
- Collect and borrow reserved items that are awaiting your collection.
- Access and browse the public library catalogue via a public PC.
- Use the public access PCs and free library Wi-Fi
- Print from the public PCs and photocopy.
Staff will not be present in the library during Self-Access hours, so some services will not be available.
- Make general enquires including changing membership details.
- Access public toilets.
- Receive support or help with the kiosks or public access computers.
- To access the library, you will need to scan the barcode on your library card and enter your PIN on the plinth to the right of the library entrance.
- You must remember to bring your library card each visit. You will not be able to enter the library without your library card.
Please do not share your library card or PIN with anyone including members of your own household.
Please do not allow anyone to follow you into the library.
- Customers using the library during Self-Access hours may be asked to leave the library as it switches to staffed hours.
- Customers using the library during morning session Self-Access hours may be asked to leave the library as it switches to staffed hours.
- You can leave the library at any time during Self-Access hours, via the main doors that you used to enter the building.
- The self-service kiosks, computers, and printer will automatically switch off ten minutes before Self-Access closing time.
- A pre-recorded message will play at intervals of 10 minutes before Self-Access closing time. This is to alert customers that the library will be closing soon.
- The door will lock at closing time, and the intruder alarm will set.
- Anyone who remains in the library after closing time will activate the alarm and security will be alerted.
- For the safety and security of our customers, Stafford Library has CCTV monitoring.
- During Self-Access hours Stafford Borough Council via Enigma, will monitor use of the library.
- Staffordshire County Council will also have access to CCTV recordings.
- A phone is located on the library counter for emergency use.
- Customers can call 999 in the case of an emergency or the County Council property service regarding issues in the building that would require immediate attention. Numbers will be provided next to the phone.
- A First Aid Kit will be located at the counter for any minor injuries.
- At your induction session, customers will be made aware of emergency evacuation procedures and location of fire exits.
For more information about joining Stafford Library as a Self -Access member: