MINEHEAD is set to become the latest Somerset library to move to self-service borrowing as part of a £600,000 revamp of services across the county.

Touch-screen kiosks will allow customers to borrow, renew and return books and other items, as well as to check reservations and pay charges.

A number of other improvements will also be made, including a new enquiries desk and shelving layout, re-decoration and the installation of energy-efficient lighting.

The touch screen technology has already been successfully introduced in Taunton, Burnham-on-Sea, Bridgwater, Wells, Frome and Yeovil.

The library, which is run by Somerset County Council, will be closed on September 23 while the upgrade is carried out.

A mobile library will provide an alternative service during the closure, with the main library due to re-open on October 28.

But as well as meaning changes for library users, staff themselves will also be expected to make adjustments, although no workers will lose their jobs as a result of the new technology.

A Somerset County Council spokesman said: "Most staff are likely to continue to work the same hours but their work will have a change of focus.

"Library staff will have more time to dedicate to customers who need help and assistance.

"There will be no direct job losses as a consequence of the self-service kiosk installations.

"Staff on fixed-term contracts may not have them extended and the library might reduce the number of relief staff to cover sickness or holidays."

The money spent on installing the self-service technology is being made available from the council's capital budget and cannot be used on the day-to-day running costs of the wider library service.

Three years ago the county council threatened to close a number of local libraries due to funding pressures, including those in Porlock, Watchet, Bishops Lydeard and Nether Stowey.

But all had their funding reinstated after a High Court judgement quashed the authority's plans to withdraw it.

The council also had to reinstate axed mobile library routes after being taken to a judicial review by campaigners battling to save their local libraries.

The judge ruled that the authority had failed to fully consider the impact of the planned cuts and closures on vulnerable and minority groups.

He quashed the council's decision to withdraw funding from 11 libraries, reduce opening hours in 23 of the county's 34 libraries by 20 per cent and cut four mobile library routes.

However, in complying with the High Court ruling, the county council reaffirmed its commitment to the modernisation of the library service, including £600,000 to introduce new self-service technology at ten of the county's busies libraries, including Minehead.

Cllr David Hall, Somerset County Council's cabinet member with responsibility for libraries, said: "The refurbishments and equipping of self-service kiosks at other county libraries have been well received by the public.

"During the closure, visitors will still be able to use the usual library services on board a mobile library and will also able to find out more about the new technology."

A mobile library will be parked outside the main library building from September 24 to October 22.

The temporary service will be available Monday to Friday, excluding Wednesday, from 9am to 4.30pm and Saturday 9am to 4pm. 

A selection of books, DVDs, and CDs will be available for all ages and customers will also be able to place reservations and collect items.

The mobile unit also boasts computing and printing facilities onboard.

Equally, customers will be able to return and borrow items at any other Somerset library during the closure, while items can be renewed either online at http://www.librarieswest.org.uk">www.librarieswest.org.uk or by speaking to a customer advisor on 0845 3459177.