The Selsdon Public Library, alongside all other Public Libraries in Croydon, has been taken from the hands of the public and sold to Cultural Community Solutions (CCS) Ltd, a subsidiary of the construction company Carillion plc. 


The sale was completed in late October 2013, as part of negotiations with the firm John Lang Integrated Services which previously owned the library, and resulted in a wide array of features being introduced to the library, such as the availability of self-service machines for the taking-out and checking-in of library books and free access to Wi-Fi.


However, local citizens have not seen a remarkable improvement with the services provided in the library, with some even accusing the service of worsening directly as result of the changes made to areas such as staffing.


One local stated that “there is rarely anyone to help when I am having issues,” while another reported that they found themselves “unable to figure out the damn things,” in reference to the self-service machines provided as part of the sale. One has to fear that those who are less technologically literate will be pushed aside as technology advances. 
However, some people favoured the changes that had been made, especially in terms of online service.

One young adult stated that they “enjoyed” the library services more as they were able to reserve and renew books via the library’s website, which is available 24/7. 


CCS Ltd themselves have stated on their website that “increasing access to libraries is centred on continued technological advancements, supporting the ability to deliver a personal approach for our customers, whether face-to-face, through self-service or through the virtual offer and always meeting the individual’s needs.”


Clearly, CCS Ltd has the aim of improving the library technologically and it certainly appears that they are achieving it, both in practical terms and in the view of the people using the services, regardless of whether this results in the sacrifice of old methods and practices or those unwilling to change. 

Thomas Evans, Whitgift School.