Service Point 93.pdf - CILIP

lift. Originally we had thought that people in wheelchairs might feel they
were an imposition to the service if the clogged up the entrance.
However, in reality they feel more put out by having to ask for a special
door to be opened.
We have fitted a microwave, cool-box, kettle and sink. We also have
limited air-conditioning.
Bailey’s won the contract and have built their usual first class vehicle.
Their novel way of storing computers is particularly noteworthy.
Each counter laptop fits into an imitation drawer so that the casual
observer is unaware that we have computers on board.
After much discussion, our IT people decided that satellite transmission
was the way forward and they went about it with great enthusiasm.
Bailey’s built the first vehicle so fast that they finished before we
had sorted out the livery. There was a definite clash between those who
wanted an eye catching livery, those who wanted an absolutely standard
corporate red and those who were in charge of the expenditure.
We had also had a competition at local schools for the children’s view.
In the end, our council designer Steve Hurst came up with a brilliant
compromise that pleased everyone and incorporated some of the kids’
ideas. Sadly this didn’t include my favourite with big tail fins and fishtail
exhaust.
When the vehicles were delivered they were without satellite dishes
and went to the council depot to be fitted. As soon as the mechanics
saw the dishes they knew they were too big. A trial run to Penistone
library garage proved the point. Somewhere along the way, our satellite
company had made the clearance 24 inches not the required 24
centimetres.
Impasse. Suffice to say it’s now with our legal people and the vans
were off the road for three months. The deadlock was broken by us
getting a new company, Primetech, who at their own risk took off the
previous dishes, liaised with Bailey’s and got new dishes fitted by
having smaller dishes and a cutout in the roof at the very back over the
children’s section. They have been a good company to work with.
Our IT lads Nigel Shaw-Morfitt, Alex Jelley, Andy Adams and Steve
Taylor have worked very hard in setting up all the systems. There have
been many problems. 20 minutes to log on. Dynix not talking to the
satellite. The communications PC telling us to turn the van 180 degrees!
The long-suffering staff have seen us through the worst of it and,
finally, we are going live on 10th October. So, Barnsley mobiles jump
firmly into the satellite era.
Thanks to the AD Steve Mair and Chief Libraries Officer Steve Bash-
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