Information Services Newsletter
TalisMessage - the Telephone Library Service

TalisMessage – the Telephone Library Service

Available 24 hours a day on 028 9036 8530

• In Autumn 2002 the University purchased TalisMessage – an automated telephone book renewal service and information line.
• Callers are presented with a menu of choices relating to renewals and details of our opening hours.
• Books can be renewed up to, but not including, the due back date stamped on the date label. Standard loans may be renewed twice. One-week loans and part-time loans may be renewed once only.
• Any overdue loans or outstanding fines prevent renewals being accepted. If another borrower has reserved a book, this also prevents a renewal.

This system takes a routine activity away from staff enabling them to focus on other areas of work. It provides users with a 24/7 service, and we have noted hundreds of renewals late at night. The automated system may seem strange at first, but it has been generally welcomed. We feel it is proving to be a significant increase and improvement in our service provision.

David McClure