Veterans' Voices Speak at Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum, September 2000

Acoustiguide and London School of Economics Launch Ground-Breaking Library Orientation Audio Tour

(London) - Not to be outdone by art galleries or stately homes, the Library at the London School of Economics and Political Science now offers an audio tour - developed with Acoustiguide, the world's leading audio tour company.

The library setting was new to Acoustiguide, but within five months of their appointment the tour was up and running - in time for the new academic year. Library Communications and Marketing Manager, Karen Bedwell, says, "We believe we're the first academic library to offer an audio tour on this scale that is professionally produced and delivered via state-of-the-art equipment. So it's particularly gratifying to see our efforts rewarded, as users return tour handsets with a smile and a genuine thank you - and encourage friends to try it out."

Until the audio tour's introduction, the LSE's Library staff was overstretched by the demands placed upon it by new students and by librarians interested in the Library's 2001 redevelopment. Acoustiguide has provided an innovative, but nonetheless serious, long-term service improvement that satisfies users and staff. The Library can now provide more tours, at any time of the day and week, and with minimal administration. Staff are now free to concentrate on more specialist enquiries.

The tour - narrated by one male and one female actor - is primarily an introduction to the Library's layout and facilities for new users, but it can be used to refresh knowledge of the library for existing students. It's equally applicable as an overview of the Library for visiting librarians. The handset is proving very user-friendly, with MP3 technology providing top quality sound, and with features that assist disabled users. Twenty-five handsets (doubled to 50 during peak periods) are available and are in constant use. The core tour lasts approximately 25 minutes, while a full tour lasts 60 minutes, while users can opt to hear various additional sections - depending on the time available or the areas of the listener's interest.

About Acoustiguide

Acoustiguide invented the audio tour more than 40 years ago, and the company has remained at the leading edge of creativity and technology ever since. Acoustiguide provides audio programs for museums, heritage and historic sites, tourism attractions, zoos, aquaria and corporate clients in 22 countries around the world. Acoustiguide offers complete creative and production services, the most advanced audio technology and comprehensive on-site management.