Surrey selects preferred bidder for Wi-Fi deal
The authority said that the contract will save £230,000 annually, totalling around £1.6m over the next seven years.
Under the deal, Axiell is also set to fit new hardware at the libraries across the county, including self-service counters, computers and printers. The announcement comes after Surrey leader Andrew Povey outlined plans to increase connectivity in the area by the end of this year.
The deal, which is set to come into effect in November, also involves the expansion of online library services such as enabling residents to use social media to rate books and talk to each other online.
Axiell already holds Surrey's library IT contract, but the council said that it went through a competitive tendering process to "provide residents with even better services despite pressure of budgets". The firm will have to meet targets or risk having its contract cut short, added the council. This includes ensuring that the computer system is capable of providing high speed services, such as a book in less than two seconds.
Denise Saliagopoulos, council cabinet member for community services, said: "The way people use libraries is changing and we need to keep pace. The new contract will open up Wi-Fi to the public and further the development of our online library and e-book stock. We've negotiated a contract that offers real value for money by providing even better services for the taxpayer at less cost."