The official launch of the new Galaxy 2000 library circulation system in June received excellent press coverage. The completion of the Priory Meadow Shopping Centre, and the resulting changes in traffic flow and car parking availability, have shifted the focus of activity within Hastings away from the area of the town in which the library is situated. Promotion of the library service is essential if the decline in issues is to be turned around. Plans to promote the Music Library are already underway in line with the recommendations of the departmental Music Review. The increase in video issues needs to be maintained by the continual input of fresh titles.
Technological change continues to have a major impact on service provision.
Since the completion of library networking in August 1997, the public have made heavy use of the word processing and internet facilities that are now available in the Reference library. Equal access to services remains a key priority, and the library service is keen to exploit any technological innovations that can assist service delivery. An 'Eezee Reader' machine for the visually impaired, which enables both books and documents to be read, is now available in the Lending Library. Mor e traditional equal access services such as the housebound library service continue to flourish. The voluntary work of the WRVS is instrumental in the success of this service.