The introduction of self-issue and return in Bournemouth Libraries referred to by Graham Cribb (Have Your say, June 2) resulted in a reduction of 21 library staff posts (four full time and 17 part time) in the nine libraries operating the system.

As the change was planned more than a year ahead, we were able to use staff turnover through retirements and resignations to avoid compulsory redundancies.

Our staff worked very hard to introduce the new system so successfully.

These changes were introduced in order to make the substantial savings required of the library service budget, which were achieved without any reduction in opening hours.

Library services can never be fully automated, however, because, in addition to the on-line services we offer, which are available 24 hours a day, such as renewals, reservations, ebooks, access to databases etc, library staff carry out many other important tasks which technology cannot provide.

Other recent letters suggest library use may be in decline.

This is not our experience as Bournemouth libraries remain the most used library service in the south west and our visits and issues have increased during recent months. This is also the case in other library services.

Carolyn Date, manager, libraries and arts, Bournemouth Borough Council