COUNCIL bosses today refused to rule out job cuts at Blackburn's award-winning library after plans were unveiled to install serve-yourself machines.

The new machines will be fitted as part of a £1million refit of the central library in Town Hall Street, Blackburn, due to start in the autumn.

Coun Kate Hollern, library service boss, today said that the new machines would mean staffing resources could be diverted for 'new priorities.' The library employs around 60 staff but there has been no assurance that all the librarians would be able to undertake the new duties.

The library will become a 'learning centre,' with computers and high-speed internet access.

A creche will be introduced in a bid to make the library more accessible to parents.

Coun Hollern said the self-issue terminals were similar to cash dispensers, adding: "Because they are self-issue they will allow our users to borrow books and tapes without the need of a library assistant, which will, in turn, allow the service to use staff resources more effectively and release time for new priorities that the library now offers, including the learning centre, outreach workers and reading development.

"The refurbishment is scheduled for completion next spring."

When asked if redundancies could be ruled out, a council spokesman said there would be no further comment from Coun Hollern. A spokesman for Unison said: "We are concerned by any proposals which could lead to cuts. We will be seeking assurances from the council."

The library has been held up by the government as one of the best in the country.

It was one of the first in Britain to open on a Sunday, which prompted a row with unions, who claimed staff had been duped into agreeing weekend rates before being told they were expected to work on Sundays.

Other changes to the library include creating a new disabled entrance on Northgate, expanding the local history section, and moving offices from the ground floor to the third floor.