BROWSING in the library could be a thing of the past.
Libraries across Huddersfield and Kirklees have launched a new e-library, using the latest high-tech equipment to help borrowers.
It means people can reserve popular books online, renew loans and have access to electronic reading lists, suggesting new titles to try, to save time before picking up their books.
The scheme was launched yesterday throughout Kirklees Library and Information Centres.
A pilot service has been running for a while, but now readers can now look forward to a more user-friendly system with a broader range of services available for them to access.
A spokesman said: "With today’s busy lifestyles, Kirklees Library and Information Centres appreciate that their customers need a flexible service which they can access at any time and from any location.
"The online service will be of real benefit to existing and new members, offering them an enhanced service.
"Members will be able to renew their books online and get an instant new due date. They will be able to access an enhanced online catalogue, showing images of book jackets and then be able to reserve books on-line.
"There will also be recommended reading lists to help readers if they want to try something new and broaden their reading matter."
Chief librarian Jan Clark added: "We are very excited to be able to offer our customers such an enhanced service on-line.
"The service will suit many busy working people who have limited time to call into the library in person and also suit those who find it difficult to get out and about as much as they would like.
"We would welcome any comments people would like to make on the new service and any suggestions for further improvements."
Details on the service are available on the library website at www.kirklees.gov.uk/ libraries.
By clicking on 'e-library', there will also be details coming up of further improvements to look forward to over the coming months.
For those who are not already members it is easy and free to join, by simply taking along a form of identification showing their name and address to their nearest branch or mobile library.
People can also apply to join by completing an on-line application form on the library web page.
