Transforming visitor insights with Nex.Count

Stockport Libraries, led by Library Service Manager Martin Roberts, has implemented Nexbib’s Nex.Count people counting solution across all 16 community libraries. What began as a trial at Central Library quickly proved so successful that the solution is now a key tool for Stockport’s service planning and evaluation.

We caught up with Martin to discuss Nex.Count at Stockroom, a new concept in the town centre that brings together library services, arts, digital access, meeting space, and community facilities. He told us how Nex.Count is playing a vital role in equipping Stockport Libraries with the accurate, real-time data about library visitor figures and the impact of events.

The Challenge

Before Nex.Count, Stockport relied on outdated beam counters and manual counts. These methods were:

  • Time-consuming – staff had to extract memory cards, upload data, and often redo corrupted files.
  • Inaccurate – counts were easily disrupted by sunlight, busy service points, or human error.
  • Resource-heavy – staff time was diverted from customer-facing services to administrative tasks.
    As demand on library services grew and expectations for measurable impact increased, Stockport needed a solution that provided reliable data without burdening staff.

The Solution

After reviewing the market, Stockport chose Nexbib and Nex.Count for three main reasons:

  • Ease of use: Automatic cloud uploads mean staff no longer need to handle data collection.
  • Rich reporting: The platform provides clear charts, dwell time analysis, and the ability to cross-reference data with events or even weather. It even differentiates between adults and children.
  • Scalable model: A simple pricing structure allowed Stockport to start with one site, then expand to all libraries.

Installation was smooth, managed internally by a part-time library officer alongside Nexbib’s support team. Nexbib provided training, reporting set-up, and responsive helpdesk support, ensuring the system was embedded quickly and effectively.

The Impact

With Nex.Count, Stockport Libraries has achieved:

  • Significant time savings: Staff are freed from manual data collection.
  • Accurate, trusted data: Used confidently in council reporting, Arts Council submissions, and funding evaluations.
  • Improved planning: Visitor flow and dwell time analysis help allocate resources and plan events.
  • Staff engagement: Teams value being able to see the impact of their events, such as spikes during storytime or cultural programmes.
  • Stronger evidence of success: Data has demonstrated high visitor numbers at events like Bluey Day, with over 1,500 attendees recorded.

 

 

Nex.Count has transformed how we understand our libraries. Staff time is saved, the data is accurate, and the reports speak for themselves. It’s helped us evaluate events, plan better, and demonstrate our value with real confidence. Nexbib have been superb – professional, proactive, and always going the extra mile.

Martin Roberts . Library Service Manager . Stockport Council

Looking Ahead

With Nex.Count in place across all community libraries, Stockport has confidence that visitor insights are fully covered. The data now informs corporate reporting, strategic planning, and cluster-level team meetings to share best practice.

As new developments such as Marple Community Hub come online in 2026, Nex.Count will continue to provide the reliable, real-time evidence needed to demonstrate impact and guide resource allocation.

About Stockport Libraries

Stockport Libraries is a public library service that provides a wide range of services including book lending, digital resources, and community programs. Its profile includes the central One Stockport Hub, smaller community libraries, and a home delivery service for those unable to visit. Residents can join for free and access services like borrowing books, using PCs, and utilizing Wi-Fi.

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