Tech upgrades to Far North libraries in July

Upgrades to public access computers, printing services and Wi-Fi networks are coming to libraries across the Far North to bring a more efficient, user-friendly experience to library customers. The upgrades will start on 30 June and are expected to take a month, with minimal disruption to library services.

The upgrades will ensure council libraries continue to offer modern, high-quality, and reliable technology to customers and will result in faster Wi-Fi, more efficient computers, and improved printing services. There will also be cost savings over the next few years due to reduced software subscriptions fees and the changes will enable flexibility to respond quickly to evolving technology.

Far North Libraries will remain open during the technology transition. While the upgrades may result in some disruption to public access computer, Wi-Fi, and printing services, library staff will be working hard to minimise instances of slower Wi-Fi or brief outages where they occur. Significant disruptions will be communicated in advance on the libraries’ Facebook pages where possible.

What will the new tech look like?

The libraries’ Chromebooks and Chrome stations will be replaced with new HP computers running Microsoft Windows software. These will offer better performance and allow for the potential inclusion of software such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, once the transition is complete.

A new printing system will enable customers to print from their devices and do their own photocopying and scanning.

Wi-Fi network names and passwords will change at each location and these details will be available to library users once the upgrades are completed.

What will remain the same?

• Core library services like borrowing books, attending programmes, or accessing physical collections are expected to be unaffected during this transition time
• There will be no changes to printing costs after the upgrade
• Guest passes to computers will still be available.

Council libraries

The council operates six libraries and one mobile van in the Far North which are free to join to access tens of thousands of books, magazines, DVDs and other materials.

For more information about the upgrades please visit our questions and answers webpage. 

The council mobile library improved its Wi-Fi offering in February this year when it had a Starlink portable satellite added to its facilities. You can read more about that here.