Library Stories – Bibliotheca https://www.bibliotheca.com/en-gb/ Bibliotheca Wed, 15 Oct 2025 16:01:56 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://www.bibliotheca.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-G-LBLO1017_2017_bibliotheca_long-term_logo_logomark_only_512px-32x32.png Library Stories – Bibliotheca https://www.bibliotheca.com/en-gb/ 32 32 Academic Accessibility: remoteLocker and cloudCheck tablet in Lindell Library at Augsburg University https://www.bibliotheca.com/en-gb/academic-accessibility-selfcheck-and-remotelocker-in-lindell-library-at-augsburg-university/ Thu, 09 Oct 2025 16:43:11 +0000 https://bibliostaged.wpengine.com/academic-accessibility-selfcheck-and-remotelocker-in-lindell-library-at-augsburg-university/
Library Story
Academic Accessibility: remoteLocker and cloudCheck tablet in Lindell Library at Augsburg University
Augsburg University logo

October 15, 2025

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Challenge

Make course reserves and other library materials able to be independently borrowed, picked-up, and returned by students at a convenient location, anytime.

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Solution

Offer remoteLocker and cloudCheck tablet in conjunction with a space refresh focused on self-service and accessibility.

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Result

Annual increases in circulation, self-service use at 98%, and more time for librarians to engage with students and faculty.

“Land of 10,000 lakes.”

“Flour Milling Capital of the World.”

“Juicy Lucy.”

“Star of the North”

“I’ll bring a bar.”

“Quietest Place on Earth.”

“There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.”

Minnesota has many monikers and colloquialisms, all conveying the breadth of its people, geography, food, and yes, winter. The cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul flank opposite sides of the Mississippi River a few miles apart, hence the nickname “Twin Cities,” and contain scores of neighborhoods and districts that reflect the different cultures and traditions of its citizenry. All share a commitment to nurturing community, and the result is a vibrant metro area with an ever-expanding, unique personality in a state known for being welcoming.

With such a big personality, it’s befitting that while exploring downtown Minneapolis one will encounter a 1,200 pound cherry a mere couple of miles from a 19th century flour mill, with views to write home about from the observation deck of St. Anthony Falls. Every excursion through Minneapolis yields marvels old and new, with arts, history, and nature easily comingling with thriving commerce and modernity. Possessing countless miles of pedestrian and biking paths, along with a robust transit system connecting people to destinations in record time, Minneapolis offers residents and visitors plenty of ways to traverse and discover all it has to offer.

View of St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge with the Minneapolis skyline, located near Augsburg University.

Photo Credit: Explore Minnesota Tourism

From music of all stripes to Monster Jam, classical theatre to professional football, Scandinavian history to a State Fair that rivals any, Minneapolis keeps people active and leaves them breathless, in a good way. Spend some time at the American Swedish Institute and behold the Turnblad Mansion, affectionately called “The Castle.” Visit First Avenue (“your downtown danceteria since 1970”) to see the venue of choice for Minneapolis-born legendary rock star Prince, and check out the “Purple Path” chronicling his life in the city.

Ornate wooden interior of the Turnblad Mansion, home of the American Swedish Institute, showcasing its carved staircase and elaborate design.

Photo Credit: American Swedish Institute

Be surrounded by the creativity of over 1,400 artists each May during the annual open studio tour that is Art-A-Whirl®. For thirty years and counting, this event facilitated by the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association has dazzled and inspired people of all ages and walks of life, encouraging them to get to know artists while watching them work.

Catch a fly ball at a Minnesota Twins Baseball game. Revel in the sounds of the Minnesota Orchestra. Experience some of the over 100,000 works housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Become immersed in live plays evoking facets of the human experience at the Guthrie Theater. Do a little retail therapy at the Mall of America. For a reset, visit the Orfield Laboratories Quiet Chamber, honored by Guinness World Records as “The Quietest Place on Earth.”

Minneapolis is also known to conquer appetites with famous local fare that redefines comfort food. Try the “Juicy Lucy,” an iconic burger originating in Minneapolis in the 1950s, in which cheese is cooked between two hamburger patties, resulting in a molten, gooey, and, by all accounts, delicious mess of a burger. Another Minnesota original is the tater-tot hotdish, perfect for those who prefer their meat and cheese mixed with vegetables and creamy mushroom soup and baked as a hearty casserole topped with crispy tater tots.

Close-up of a Juicy Lucy burger cut open to reveal melted cheese inside, Minneapolis’ most famous comfort food.

Photo Credit: Meet Minneapolis

Purists may like their cheese deep-fried into cheese curds, with a side of blueberry ketchup or Thousand Island dressing. For a sweet tooth, try a dessert bar, known to Minnesotans simply as “bars” and encompassing flavors from lemon to peanut butter to chocolate chip to butterscotch. If not a bar, then a scoop of Jell-O salad in various flavors and filled with sundry fruits, marshmallows, nuts, and whipped cream. Whichever Minneapolis-based delicacies are on the menu, bring lots of napkins while tailgating with 70,000 others before a Minnesota Vikings game.

Of course, Minneapolis and the entire state of Minnesota bring to mind the great outdoors, namely, its thousands of lakes (the true number is well above the 10,000 of its tagline). There are 1,555 acres of parks and public land inside Minneapolis city limits, most notably five bodies of water that comprise the Chain of Lakes. From sunrise to sunset, amidst glittering water with a cityscape backdrop, people walk, run, bike, swim, water ski, canoe, kayak, boat, and venture out on paddle boards. Both novice and professional photographers traverse the banks for spectacular views, while others play volleyball, tennis, and practice archery. Still others toss a frisbee while many simply settle down on a blanket with a good book.

Aerial view of Bde Maka Ska Pavilion in Minneapolis surrounded by autumn colors, boats, and lakeside activity.

Photo Credit: Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board

But arguably, no one does winter better than those in the Star of the North. Consider nearly every outdoor pastime and sport done during temperate months, and you’ll find a winter version happily embraced. Embodying the Swedish phrase, “there is no bad weather, only bad clothing,” locals and visitors during winter in Minneapolis suit up and get outside for igloo dining and ice bars, along with The Great Northern festival, a 10-day outdoor celebration of winter complete with live music and film screenings, guided nature walks and crisp runs, fire pits and s’mores, and even a pop-up “Sauna Village.”

After the thaw, millions of locals and travelers alike flock to “The Great Minnesota Get-Together,” otherwise known as the Minnesota State Fair. Ranked the second largest state fair in the United States, it has delighted crowds since 1859. This great get-together regularly sees nearly two-million attendees across 322 acres during a twelve-day span and has the mind-boggling trivia to prove it.

A crowd enjoys a live concert at the Minnesota State Fair under colorful stage lights and evening skies.

Photo Credit: Minnesota State Fair

Speaking of attracting interest far and wide, the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood in downtown Minneapolis is home to Augsburg University, a small liberal arts university that attracts students from around the world. Since 1869, Augsburg University has followed its mission to educate students “…to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders…supported by an engaged community that is committed to intentional diversity.” With its small class sizes, attention to academic success (and reputation for producing Fulbright Scholars), plentiful clubs for students to explore and expand their interests, and prime location, it’s easy to understand the appeal of Augsburg University.

Exterior view of the James G. Lindell Library at Augsburg University, with its red brick architecture and modern glass design.

In the heart of campus is Lindell Library, named for the Lindell Family after a lifetime of philanthropic support from 1940s Augsburg student James Lindell. We’ll come back to James, and his wife, Jean, a bit later. With four floors of robust collections and services and a team of devoted librarians, Lindell Library provides Augsburg students everything they need for success in their studies and in their pursuits of educational, inspirational, and recreational camaraderie and growth.

Lindell Library recently adopted and began to implement a five-year plan in conjunction with the university’s sesquicentennial strategic plan. The library plan notes its purpose of supporting the mission of Augsburg and outlines goals such as becoming “a place where every Auggie feels at home, supported, and represented on campus and in our neighborhood,” with corresponding actions such as conducting a refresh to its spaces to create “multipurpose, neurodivergent-friendly, and flexible-use areas to support the needs of every Augsburg student.”

Sara Fillbrandt, Electronic Resources & Metadata Librarian at Lindell Library, explains, “Augsburg University is a private, liberal arts university in the heart of Minneapolis. We offer undergraduate and graduate degrees to approximately 3,200 students. We’re small, but we’re mighty. We’re a very community-based institution, and our campus surrounds Murphy Square, which is the city’s oldest park. We have a partnership with the City of Minneapolis to help them take care of the park. It’s only one square block, but it’s important to have and it’s a nice green space in the middle of campus for our students.”

Aerial view of Augsburg University’s International Center in Minneapolis, with modern architecture and the city skyline in the background.

“We’re situated downtown near the Mississippi River and the Seven Corners theater district, so we get all sorts of wonderful performances and we’re on a lot of public transportation lines. It’s a great location and very integrated into the community. Our students do community service events and our employees are encouraged to do sixteen hours of community service on the clock each year. Augsburg is very service-oriented, and I love that.”

Fillbrandt continues, “We serve minority populations, we serve folks who might not have the opportunity to go to school otherwise; 66% percent of our undergraduate day program are BIPOC students, 3.2% are international, and 56% of our students are first-generation college. We have people from the community who live across the street and are students here, and we have students from 36 different states and 28 other countries. Augsburg University takes the globe and shrinks it down and brings it into this small campus, so, while we’re small, we’re big. We’re focused on us, but we’re also focused on what we can do for the world around us. It’s an amazing dynamic.”

Over the decades, the library has gone through different iterations. In the beginning, the library was located in the basement of “Old Main,” the first building on campus. Some of the university departments maintained their own small library collections until 1954 when Augsburg broke ground to build a brand-new library. At the unveiling of the Sverdrup Library in August 1955, the disparate collections shifted to a centralized library model. In 1997, to meet the ever-increasing use of the library with more space, they built the James G. Lindell Family Library.

“The library has grown and moved with the times,” Fillbrandt says, “and we’ve been undergoing a lot of changes in the past year, which is exciting. As it stands today, we have over 100,000 physical titles, we subscribe to over 525,000 ebooks, and we have a large collection of DVDs, CDs, and music scores because we have music and music therapy programs on campus. We’ve got a little bit of something for everybody.”

She shared that the library moved from a “just in case” to a “just in time” collection model. They weeded items that hadn’t been borrowed in years and bolstered the collection of materials faculty use to teach students, even purchasing, when possible, textbooks to help students save money. They work with faculty to embed ebook links directly into course syllabi for student access, and they fulfill student and faculty requests for materials specific to their areas of study.

Lindell Library also recently joined the MnPals Consortium, which consists of over fifty libraries throughout the State of Minnesota and which facilitates resource sharing among members for discovery of and access to books, articles, digital assets, and other resources. As part of joining the consortium, the library migrated its entire catalog to a different library services platform.

“The migration was an opportunity for us to look at how we were currently doing things and ask, why are we doing it this way?” Fillbrandt says. “It was good to go through all of the workflows and all of the processes and say, we’ve been doing it this way because we’ve always done it this way, and we can let that go now. We can simplify things, and we can make things more accessible and easier to find.”

When migrating from one library services platform to another, they found that “…it worked very similarly, but not exactly” in the same ways with their cloudCheck tablet and remoteLocker, so Fillbrandt reached out to Bibliotheca support while also working with the new platform provider, to sort things out together.

“I sent a lot of screenshots,” she smiles, “to one of the really, really nice Bibliotheca support guys. He was great. He asked, have you tried this? Can you do this? Can you send me this? And then, because I’m in the middle, I was also talking to the platform provider and saying, okay, your product is doing this, and Bibliotheca is saying this, and now what do I do? There was a lot of back and forth, but support at Bibliotheca was always really responsive.”

Library staff tackled other projects at the same time as migrating the catalog, such as refreshing the physical spaces to introduce more color, with new furniture to encourage gathering, and a board game collection that students can borrow or play while inside the library.

“All of that has been such a positive change for our library, and we are seeing so many more students coming in and engaging with us and with our spaces, now that we’re not the place where you have to be quiet,” Fillbrandt says. “We do have a quiet floor on the library, but otherwise, come in and talk and meet with your friends, and laugh, and do research for fun or for academics, or play a game, or work on the community puzzle. Just be here and use the library however you need to. It’s the students’ space. It’s not our space as the librarians, we just curate it; it’s their space.”

“We’ve got sensory-friendly areas in the library, now, along with our ten study rooms on the third floor,” she continues. “We have meeting spaces and all of our IT folks have moved into the building, and we’re working on turning the library into the information center on campus. You can come in and ask somebody at the service desk if you need IT help. The research support desk is right there, too, so if you have a research question, a librarian is there. If students need academic advising, those folks are on the second floor of the library. Disability specialist offices are on the second floor, along with our TRIO support team, all in the same building.”

“You come to one spot and you get the help you need right there, and I love that about our library. Instead of having students go all over to different places on campus, everything is centralized in the library building itself. For the most part, you go to one place and you can pretty much guarantee to get your question answered.”

Two librarians collaborate at computers near a sign announcing the new Research Support Desk at Augsburg University’s Lindell Library.

As promised earlier, we now return to library benefactors James and Jean Lindell.

In mid-2024, the university offered staff and faculty an early retirement package, and three librarians, including the library director, took it. “All of a sudden, we found ourselves down to a staff of four,” Fillbrandt shares. “Our associate library director was promoted to library director, and he’s doing a fantastic job. And we realized that we were spending a lot of time at the circulation desk, because our circulation librarian took the retirement offer. She had been our frontline person and she managed a whole bunch of student workers.”

The library team soon realized that they were spending a lot of time doing repetitive tasks. “Once we got down to a team of four, our new director said, we can’t continue the way that we’ve been doing things, and we need to find a new way of helping students. We can’t have specialist librarians sitting and waiting to check out books, that’s not the best use of time.”

“He was adamant that we were going to move to a self-service model, that we were going to give it a go,” says Fillbrandt. “The idea was, students would see that it’s a lot like a grocery store: you can pick up your own things, you can check yourself out, and you can go. No one’s looking over your shoulder, there’s no perceived judgment based on what you’re checking out, no one’s questioning anything.”

“In addition,” she continues, “we needed to update the way we were doing reserves for faculty. We had faculty members who put books on reserve, but it would be a recommended read, not required for the course, and often, books would sit and not be checked out. We would have books sitting there, not being used because they were on reserve for faculty, and it didn’t work well.”

The Lindell Library staff at Augsburg University gathered together at a local restaurant, smiling and celebrating collaboration and innovation in library service.

Lindell Library team from left: Sara Fillbrandt, Karen Hogan, Tanya Gunkel, Stewart Van Cleve, Megan Schierenbeck, Kristine Kammueller, Kira Cronin-Hennessy

They decided that they needed a way for faculty to be able to place books and materials on reserve with a finite reservation period, whether a couple of days or a week, and to have an avenue in which students could independently borrow and return those materials.

“That was the impetus for doing the locker system: we needed something that was going to help with course reserves and that was located in a spot where, if students requested something from the collection, we could put it in one of the lockers and they could pick it up whenever they wanted to. They didn’t have to come to the desk during a certain time when we were sitting there. Basically, divorcing the service function of circulation from when actual people are there. Divorcing service hours from the building hours. Even if no one was at the desk, students could still check out books, pick up holds, pick up interlibrary loans, or they could return something. They’re not tied to staff having to be there to help them do that.”

Library staff were on board with the plan for the remoteLocker. They discussed how to promote it and thought of pairing it with their cloudCheck tablet, and someone suggested naming each after James and Jean Lindell.

“We were in a joint staff meeting with our IT department, who were instrumental collaborators from the get-go, and somebody said, are we going to call the selfcheckout and the lockers something?” Fillbrandt explains. “We needed vernacular that people would be able to grab onto.”

Since there were regular lockers all around campus, somebody suggested that, because they were the Lindell Library, they should name the selfcheckout machine “James.” Taken with the idea, library staff furthered it by deciding that the remoteLocker would be named “Jean,” and that’s how they would differentiate between the two.

“When students are going to pick up books, they pick them up with Jean, and when they’re checking out, they check out with James.”

A student uses the James selfCheck station at Augsburg University’s Lindell Library, part of the library’s move toward full self-service.

“We got our marketing department involved, and they created signage and wraps to help visually bring James and Jean out, to make them noticeable and easy points to find,” Fillbrandt says. “They do pop, they’re beautiful. Marketing did a fabulous job, because before we had James and Jean, it was a very beige library, not exciting at all. But since we’ve gotten them, and since weeding the collection, and refreshing the spaces, and moving to a just-in-time model, we have seen a big uptick in students coming and spending time in the library, which is phenomenal and what we wanted.”

She says that students love James and Jean, and that they often mistake Jean for online retail pick-up lockers and are excited to learn that they’re for books and other library materials. Library staff explain the similarities and students are immediately pleased because they find them familiar and easy to use. Students frequently comment on the remoteLocker. “They say, this is a brand new thing, I’ve never seen a locker like this in an academic library, can you tell me more about this?”

With James and Jean in place, library circulation has increased by 5% each year and self-service is at 98%. Library staff spend far less time on repetitive tasks and have far more time to be available to students, and students take advantage of that. “If students want to talk to a person,” Fillbrandt says, “a person is right there for them.”

Students particularly appreciate the wide array of languages available to them while using the cloudCheck tablet and remoteLocker. “With the diversity of our student population,” Fillbrandt says, “having the ability for them to switch languages on James and Jean has been fantastic. We have a large Somali population, and Hmong population, and our students also speak French, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Arabic.”

“They love being able to use the machines in their own language,” she adds, “and it’s fun to see their faces light up when they see that they can interact in their native tongue. If English is their second, third, or even fourth language, they don’t have to default to English. And people love that it saves their preferences, that as soon as they scan their barcode on their library card, it just automatically pops back up in the language that they’ve asked it to remember.”

“It’s meeting people where they are. Accessibility is one of the things that I’m most passionate about, and making things easier for people to get to. I am all about fewer clicks to get to a resource. I am all about making sure that folks can get access to a dyslexic-friendly font, or something that is screen-reader-friendly, or that works with whatever their particular colorblindness is. My joy is being able to help with that, and so the ability to have things be more accessible because of a language translator, so there’s not a language barrier, is absolutely huge.”

In considering advice she would give other libraries exploring the idea of using remoteLocker, Fillbrandt says she would tell them “…to make sure that they work with other departments on campus first, before they decide to jump in. Make sure that IT has the availability and the time to help work on a project. Our lockers needed to be anchored to the wall, so we had to get facilities involved, and they needed to run cables and install a new electrical outlet.”

“Be sure that any and all stakeholders that may be affected by a project like this are involved from the get-go, because it’s important to have everybody on board and to have buy-in from the vast majority. Look into it, see if this would be a benefit for your community, poll your community and find out if they’d be interested in such a thing. If it’s a good fit for your space and your needs, I would tell them that the lockers have been a game changer. They’ve been absolutely helpful and I can’t imagine going back.”

Fillbrandt commends Lindell Library Director Stewart Van Cleve for his vision to implement a self-service model, and for bringing the right people on board to execute it. She also lauds provost Dr. Paula O’Loughlin for being receptive to the changes being made in Lindell Library, and for helping to get messaging out to faculty and to the community at large.

“I’m very happy to be part of a community that is willing to try something new. This has turned out to be a wonderful thing for the library, the students and faculty, and the community at large. I love the team that we have at Lindell Library, and I’m excited to see where we go from here.”

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]]> Sunderland Libraries Achieve Remarkable Transformation with Bibliotheca Technology https://www.bibliotheca.com/en-gb/bibliotheca-rfid-self-service-sunderland-libraries/ Mon, 08 Sep 2025 01:00:49 +0000 https://bibliostaged.wpengine.com/?p=103178
Sunderland Libraries Achieve Remarkable Transformation with Bibliotheca Technology
Sunderland Libraries Logo | Sunderland Libraries Achieve Remarkable Transformation with Bibliotheca Technology

September 8, 2025

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Challenge
Customer reliance on staff-assisted checkouts slowed transactions and left little time for community engagement.
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Solution
Bibliotheca’s RFID migration, paired with selfCheck kiosks, smartShelf borrow, security gates, and uniFi+ interactive screens, delivered a seamless, user-friendly self-service journey.
done_all-24px
Result
Self-service checkouts skyrocketed from 300 to 3,000 per month, inventory tasks were cut to just one hour, and staff gained more time to inspire, connect, and support their community.

Sunderland Libraries has long been dedicated to delivering exceptional services to its community. The libraries are a trusted place for discovery, connection, and learning, but like many public libraries, they faced a number of challenges.

Encouraging customers to embrace self-service, improving operational efficiency, and freeing staff from repetitive manual tasks were top priorities. Staff were often tied up with routine checkouts, limiting the time available to focus on engagement, programming, and community support.

Recognising the need for change, Sunderland Libraries partnered with Bibliotheca to reimagine the library experience. Through the introduction of innovative RFID and library technology solutions, the libraries were able to modernise services, boost adoption of self-service, and create a seamless, enjoyable journey for every visitor.

A Story of Transformation

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Smarter self-service for every customer

Before introducing Bibliotheca technology, most library transactions relied heavily on staff-assisted checkouts. This created longer queues, slower service, and limited opportunities for staff to focus on value-added activities. The transition to self-service needed to be simple, intuitive, and customer-friendly.

Bibliotheca provided a full RFID migration, tagging more than 100,000 books across three Sunderland library sites. This formed the foundation for a smarter service journey. With RFID in place, Sunderland Libraries introduced selfCheck kiosks to enable quick and independent borrowing, smartShelf borrow units for seamless returns and browsing, and new security gates to protect valuable collections.

The addition of the DLA inventoryWand transformed stock management, allowing staff to scan entire shelves in minutes. Meanwhile, the uniFi+ content platform added an entirely new layer of customer engagement. Through interactive screens, visitors could take part in polls and quizzes, access curated content, and provide real-time feedback, helping staff connect with their community in dynamic new ways.

Together, these innovations created an effortless self-service environment where customers felt empowered to borrow and return books independently, while staff could dedicate their time to building relationships and delivering enriching programs.

“Speaking personally, it couldn’t have gone better. It’s transformed the buildings, staff time, and customer satisfaction.”

—Craig Smith, Library Operations Manager for Sunderland Library Services

Sunderland Libraries, transformed with Bibliotheca RFID, selfCheck, smartShelf, and UniFi+ technology to enhance self-service and customer experience.

The main entrance of Sunderland’s Washington Library, now transformed with Bibliotheca technology to deliver a modern, self-service experience.

Results that speak for themselves

The impact of the Bibliotheca solutions was both immediate and measurable. Within just one year, self-service checkouts increased from 300 per month to more than 3,000—a tenfold growth that highlights the community’s confidence in the new system.

Inventory management, which once consumed hours of staff time, can now be completed in as little as one hour. Customers benefit from faster transactions and intuitive borrowing, while staff are free to focus on higher-value activities, such as developing events, supporting learners, and connecting with visitors one-on-one.

Craig Smith, Library Operations Manager for Sunderland Library Services, reflected on the success:

“We really wanted to do this self-service journey, and bringing in RFID has completely opened the doors for that. Speaking personally, it couldn’t have gone better. It’s transformed the buildings, staff time, and customer satisfaction.”

Transforming the visitor experience

The smartShelf borrow, positioned at the entrance of Washington Library, has quickly become a customer favourite. Visitors can return books instantly and then move directly into browsing, creating a smooth and satisfying experience from the moment they walk through the door.

Craig explains: “The smartShelf is really well used. As soon as you walk in, you return your books, then move straight on to browsing. It’s quick and intuitive.”

Initial concerns that self-service might replace staff have quickly been dispelled. Instead, the technology has enhanced staff roles, enabling them to spend more time engaging visitors, leading activities, and building a stronger sense of community.

The uniFi+ interactive screens have also created a powerful way to capture feedback. By running polls and quizzes, Sunderland Libraries can directly ask visitors what they’d like to see, respond in real time, and curate relevant content that keeps the library experience fresh and engaging.

Play Video

Setting a new standard for library services

By combining Bibliotheca RFID, selfCheck kiosks, smartShelf borrow, security gates, and uniFi+, Washington Library has been transformed into a modern, efficient, and visitor-focused space. Footfall is now monitored accurately, borrowing and returns are faster than ever, and staff have more time to dedicate to meaningful engagement with their community.

Sunderland Libraries’ journey showcases the true potential of library technology. With Bibliotheca solutions, libraries can streamline operations, boost customer satisfaction, and empower staff to deliver more impactful experiences. This transformation demonstrates that when innovation meets dedication, libraries can set a new benchmark for modern, community-focused services.

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]]> Library Stories: Real Examples Of Innovation & Impact | Bibliotheca nonadult selfCheck + integrated return bins for service-centric success: Redford Township District Library https://www.bibliotheca.com/en-gb/library-story-redford-township/ Mon, 28 Apr 2025 16:50:55 +0000 https://bibliostaged.wpengine.com/selfcheck-integrated-return-bins-for-service-centric-success-redford-township-district-library/
Library Story
selfCheck + integrated return bins for service-centric success: Redford Township District Library
Redford Township District Library logo.
April 28, 2025
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Challenge

Redesign self-service options to increase patron convenience and library staff efficiency

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Solution

Add selfChecks with integrated return bins to entryway for immediate visibility and access

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Result

Patrons are empowered with fast, reliable self-service, library staff have time for meaningful interactions, self-check use reaches new heights at 94%

Redford Township, Michigan, is a welcoming district of just under 50,000 people located approximately fifteen miles northwest of downtown “Motor City” Detroit. Many who live in this quiet, commuter suburb are second- and third-generation residents, but whether they have roots that go back decades or are happily new to the area, the people of Redford Township represent a wide variety of backgrounds, actively focus on quality of life, and take pride in their community. 

Close proximity to interstates and bustling downtown Detroit means that many Redford Township residents work and play in the city but make home base a more serene locale. After all, when there is so much to see and do within such a short drive, it makes sense to strike a balance between both worlds. 

A quick drive to the city yields entertainment on par with the best, from live music at the famous Majestic Theatre and The Fillmore, to enchanting performances by the Detroit Opera, to raucous games of hockey by the Detroit Red Wings and basketball by the Detroit Pistons in an eight-story arena. There is something for everyone, from comedy clubs to dance clubs, casinos to luxury hotels, plays by the Detroit Repertory Theatre and Broadway in Detroit, along with famous steakhouses, seafood, and plenty of other upscale dining. And we cannot forget the Detroit Zoo, where over two-hundred species of animals welcome more than 1.3 million visitors each year. 

With all of that delightful hubbub at their fingertips, it’s no wonder that the people of Redford Township choose this quiet neighboring suburb to hang their hats after adventuring in the city. 

Which isn’t to say that Redford Township lacks things to do. On the contrary, its Market at the Marquee offers homegrown and homemade wares from local farmers and artisans, and the township hosts its share of festivals, parades, concerts, and fireworks. Outdoor activities and sports are abundant, even during (perhaps especially during) winter. Golfing, little league, sledding, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowboarding, ice skating, picnicking, bicycling, and hiking are in abundance, and it’s clear that communing with nature occurs in all seasons in Redford Township.

Aerial view of Redford Township District Library entrance with U.S. flag and outdoor seating area.
Aerial view of Redford Township District Library and surrounding area with fall foliage.

Another all-seasons favorite of the community is its library. The newly remodeled Redford Township District Library rivals the most impressive of public libraries across the nation and shows that knockout facilities and services aren’t reserved for huge systems in booming metropolises. With its dedicated and imaginative staff, Redford Township District Library is a popular destination that sees consistent support from its community. Recently celebrating 100 years of service, the library that began as a bookmobile is now a 65,000 square-foot showcase, and setting foot inside immediately reveals the customer-centric, access-minded focus of its team. 

Library Director Garrett Hungerford led the team through the recent, yearlong renovation after completing a strategic plan that pointed to the community’s need and desire for an updated space. The library building was two decades old and due for a significant refresh. 

“We had a bond from the original building that dropped off,” Hungerford says, “and we had a supplemental millage that had been passed, and both of those expired at the exact same time. The nice thing was, we were able to go to the community and say, if you fund us exactly—actually, a little less than—what you’ve been paying for the past twenty years, you’re going to get a fully renovated library with all kinds of updates that will continue to function for the next twenty years.” 

When the library was originally built in 2004, it included approximately 18,000 square feet of unfinished space, purposefully designed for future development. That long-term vision remained on hold until the library was ready to move forward with it. “The original plan was always to finish that space,” Hungerford explains. “During the strategic planning process, we decided it was the right time to reimagine how that area could best serve the community. Everything kicked off from there.” 

They decided the space was well-suited for a new Children’s Department, and in that regard, that particular portion of the overall renovation was more of a new-build. “Renovation is not the right word, because there wasn’t anything to renovate,” Hungerford continues. “There was no demo. It was just open space with concrete floors, being used for storage.”  

Once the decision was made to move the Children’s Department into the space, “…it was kind of musical chairs from there.” There was much hauling of books and other materials up and down stairs and shifting and moving of departments, sometimes more than once, as areas were completed along the way. 

“With how intricate the renovation was, it did take a while,“ Hungerford explains. “We split it into three phases and the intent was always to finish phase one, which was the new kids’ space, and have that open up and start phase two, which was the former kids’ space, and have that open up and start phase three. Well, phase one just kept on going. When we had our ribbon cutting, all of the phases ended up finishing at the same time. It was a long road, but we’re here.” 

That long road resulted in outstanding library spaces clearly designed for patron access, ease, and inspiration. From the distinctive new seating and study areas outfitting the Teen Department, to the filmmaking green screen, to the Library of Things featuring an axe-throwing target set, metal detector, and giant Yardzee set, the offerings of the renovation go well beyond furnishings. Through it all, the library continued its steady stream of activities and events, including monthly visits by locally-owned food trucks. 

Hungerford and his team work to stay ahead of the curve in customer service and access, and Redford District Public Library was one of the first libraries in Michigan to go fine-free. “We’ve done a lot to make ourselves accessible as possible,” he says, “and a great deal of that is our staff leading the way from within.” Part of a cooperative, they also advocated for and achieved auto-renewals on borrowed items, thereby increasing patron convenience. Plus, Redford Township District Library cards only need to be renewed once every three years, instead of annually.  

“There are lots of times when we look at something and try to make it more efficient,” Hungerford shares. “I’m known for saying ‘work smarter, not harder,’ to understand how and why we do things. One of the things we did with the renovation is, we moved our circulation desk so that when you walk through the front entryway, there’s now a staffed welcome desk with three self-checks close by.” 

Self-checkout area and welcome desk at Redford Township District Library.

Adding integrated return bins to the selfChecks made returns simpler for patrons and staff, Hungerford says. Prior to the renovation, the library had an outdoor dropbox that was “…a lot more work for our circ team, to have to walk all the way outside to get the returns,” let alone doing so during Michigan winters. “It just felt dated,” Hungerford says about their former outdoor dropboxes, adding that books and other materials frequently fell under the spring–loaded bottoms of the retrieval carts. “The integrated return bins are much better.” 

Self-check kiosks with integrated return bins at Redford Township District Library.

Hungerford says that the colour-coded LED lighting feature of the selfChecks (to alert staff if receipt paper is low, or if one is offline) is “…an additional nice visual. All of the units have worked perfectly since we’ve had them in place. I can think of many times when I’ve seen all three self-checks in use. The good thing is, we had Bibliotheca self-checks before the renovation, so a lot of our patrons were used to using them and it was a very natural transition.” 

Cognizant that patrons are sometimes in a rush, with no time to go inside, two years prior to the renovation the library added a drive-up service window for pickups and returns. “Circ is super-efficient now, because there’s just a really good footprint of where the selfChecks are, the welcome desk is, the holds pickup shelf is, and the drive-up area is; all of them are near the back room for processing.” 

“We went from a service desk with three staff computers to a service desk with one staff computer, with the selfChecks right there, and we didn’t reduce or remove staff. Now, we have those staff members at any given time roving the floor, enhancing services, and giving the team more time to shine in other important ways. Instead of having a lot of interactions that are transactional, they’re more meaningful, they’re chances to engage. Everything that we’ve done has freed up time to provide better service.” 

As for the 18,000 square feet of space formerly being used for storage: the transformation into a new Children’s Department is nothing short of incredible. Gone is the blank space and in its place is a magical, nature-themed area for imaginations to run wild and be nurtured. Replete with oversized, hovering butterflies and bumblebees, murals depicting woods, marshes, and other lush settings, to see it is to experience a sense of being outdoors on a temperate, sunny day. 

Children's library area with bee and butterfly decor at Redford Township District Library.

Imaginations are endlessly expanded over climbable tunnels, hills, foam blocks, spinning chairs, and a rock-climbing wall. Abundant, live plants and quiet, comfortable reading nooks add a peaceful balance. Hands-on engagement continues with a giant, interactive light-up wall on which visitors create glowing, moving artworks. To find a better space in which to captivate and develop kids’ reasoning, exploration, and critical thinking skills is a tall order. 

Children's reading nooks with floral mural at Redford Township District Library.
Interactive light wall for children at Redford Township District Library.

The extensive work of the renovation has yielded big rewards. In the eight months since the ribbon-cutting, the library has seen record-breaking circulation as the community uses the facility more than ever. The library design has even caught the attention of nearby mayors, who regularly reach out to Hungerford for tours. 

Hungerford credits his team for flourishing despite the trying circumstances of the past few years. “They’re just amazing,” he says. “Shout-out to them. I think we all went through the trauma of the pandemic and the renovation, and now we’re finally starting to learn how our workflow is in this new setup.” 

If another library were to ask Hungerford about selfChecks, he says, “I would tell them to certainly explore using them in their library. They have the potential of freeing up so much time. I would put selfChecks up there with going fine-free and having auto-renewals. The combo frees up your staff immensely to be able to focus on the core issues that come up during the day, and on providing more time and meaning to patron interactions. If you’re a customer service-centric organization, which libraries are and should be, then selfChecks are just a no-brainer to add to your environment.” 

“I’ve always felt like Bibliotheca has the better, more intuitive device,” he shares, “and that’s why we stuck with it. I like the aesthetics and the workflow of the selfCheck; you can tell that there was thought put into it and not just buttons thrown up on a screen. We rely heavily on it and we’re seeing a lot of use. Last month was the highest circ-ing month that we’ve had in the past ten years, and of the total items, 94% were checked-out at the selfChecks.” 

The project culminated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony that drew the entire community, celebrating the transformation of the long-planned space into a vibrant new chapter for the library. The celebratory atmosphere continues, as patrons and staff alike enjoy and take pride in the thoughtfully updated space every day. 

“We’re nothing without our staff,” he says. “And the community has been incredibly supportive, not just of the library, but of other major initiatives across the township. Redford is currently in the process of building a new recreation and wellness center, among other exciting developments. There’s a real sense of momentum, with meaningful infrastructure improvements benefiting the entire township, from the library to the schools to the forthcoming wellness center. I’m proud that we’ve been able to be at the forefront of this wave of positive change.” 

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]]> Stockport Libraries Lead the Way with the UK’s First Outdoor remoteLocker https://www.bibliotheca.com/en-gb/customer-story-stockport-libraries/ Wed, 08 Jan 2025 14:00:50 +0000 https://bibliostaged.wpengine.com/?p=86260
Stockport Libraries Lead the Way with the UK’s First Outdoor remoteLocker
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Stockport
May 15, 2025
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Challenge
When one of Stockport’s busiest libraries had to temporarily close for redevelopment, the library faced a significant challenge: how to maintain services for their community. With limited space in their temporary location and a need to continue delivering books and processing returns, a creative solution was necessary. The aim was clear—keep residents connected to library services despite the disruption.
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Solution
Enter the outdoor remoteLocker, a groundbreaking addition to Stockport’s library services and the first of its kind in the UK and Ireland. This innovative self-service solution provides 24/7 access to books, enabling residents to collect reservations and return items at their convenience. Designed to promote a culture of self-service, the remoteLocker complements Stockport’s wider efforts to enhance library accessibility.
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Result
The response from residents has been overwhelmingly positive. In fact, the lockers were in use before staff had even completed their training! Feedback highlights how the 24/7 availability has removed barriers tied to library opening hours, offering a seamless and convenient experience for all users.

Stockport has set a new standard in library services by becoming the first in the UK and Ireland to install an outdoor remoteLocker. This innovative addition aims to enhance accessibility and convenience for residents, offering 24/7 access to pick-up reservations and return books.

Why an Outdoor remoteLocker? 

When one of Stockport’s busiest libraries had to temporarily close to make way for an exciting new library and leisure hub, it became clear that a solution was needed to continue serving the community. As well as a pop-up part-time staff facility, the outdoor remoteLocker was the perfect fit. “We needed to deliver reservations to residents and provide an opportunity to return books,” said the Stockport Libraries team. “This solution ensures 24/7 physical access for our residents.“

The initiative aligns with Stockport’s goal to create a culture of increased accessibility for its library service. This relies on traditional staffed libraries, but also new self-service technology and online resources available 24/7. The challenge was whether residents would adopt the lockers—but the results speak for themselves. “Customers are already using them to return books and pick up reservations, from the minute we went live,” the team shared enthusiastically.

Enhanced Accessibility and Convenience 

The remoteLocker removes barriers to library access by allowing residents to interact with library services on their own schedule, regardless of library opening hours at any time morning or night.

A Smooth Collaboration with Bibliotheca

The Stockport team had high praise for their collaboration with Bibliotheca. “Regular weekly meetings with the Project Manager kept us up to date, and the online training was excellent,” they noted. The installation process exceeded expectations.

Early Success Stories 

Even before staff had completed their training, residents were already using the lockers. This immediate adoption highlights how much the community values the flexibility and accessibility the remoteLocker offers.

Stockport’s outdoor remoteLocker is more than a convenience—it’s a testament to innovation, accessibility, and the enduring importance of library services in our communities.

Stay tuned as we continue to explore the impact of this cutting-edge solution on library services across the UK and Ireland.

–

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]]> Groundbreaking access: open+ in Manawatū Community Hub Libraries, New Zealand https://www.bibliotheca.com/en-gb/library-story-groundbreaking-access-open-in-manawatu-community-hub-libraries-new-zealand/ Tue, 17 Dec 2024 13:28:23 +0000 https://bibliostaged.wpengine.com/groundbreaking-access-open-in-manawatu-community-hub-libraries-new-zealand/
Groundbreaking access: open+ in Manawatū Community Hub Libraries, New Zealand
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Manawatu
June 25, 2025
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Challenge

Give the community much-needed access to the library after-hours.

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Solution

Use open+ to expand library use to patrons on their own schedules.

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Result

Extended library access that is highly-used and applauded by the community.

Many small towns brand themselves as welcoming, but when the warmth, hospitality, and quality of life are in such abundance that the town is bestowed an official nickname reflecting it all, you know you’ve found an exceptional locale.

Welcome Feilding, New Zealand, aka “Friendly Feilding,” an industrious, lively town in Manawatū District in the North Island. A sunny little burg half an hour from the coast of the Tasman Sea, Feilding has been awarded the title of “New Zealand’s Most Beautiful Town” numerous times and is filled with plentiful arts, outdoor activities, dining, shopping, and livestock (we’ll get to that last part in a moment).

With bright flowers punctuating year-round activities, Feilding prides itself on a strong local business scene and an atmosphere of home and opportunity for individuals and families alike. Each day in the town centre, people are steps away from an honoured emblem of Feilding’s past: a towering clock originally set in motion in 1904, the original mechanisms of which are kept in working order.

Kitchener Park captivates visitors with shimmering green lowlands and wetlands of the Awahuri Forest, resplendent with bright-yellow flowering kōwhai trees, and filled with rare lichens, spiders, and countless other native ecological wonders. The tapestry of Feilding also comes alive at The Coach House Museum, where residents and visitors are introduced to the settlers who took the first steps to create what would become an agricultural powerhouse that feeds the world.

Beyond its robust Farmers’ Market, vintage shopping, and cafés, Feilding is famously home to the largest stock saleyard in the Southern Hemisphere. Agricultural history and industry abound in this famous livestock centre, and its auctions are a vital part of the community economy. With its symphony of baying dogs and bellowing livestock, the nonstop operation of the saleyard keeps district revenue thriving.

Of course, the place offering the most abundant exploration in Feilding and Manawatū District is Manawatū Community Hub Libraries.

Feilding built its first library in 1905, moved it to a larger space in 1980, and, after many decades of use followed by several years of thoughtful planning, recently upgraded it with a complete renovation.

With an eye toward culture, colour, and nature, the result is exquisite, incorporating indoors with outdoors and taking care to include a bird corridor to support the flight patterns of native birds. As a special gesture, the local iwi, Ngāti Kauwhata, renamed the library building Te Āhuru Mōwai, meaning, a “…space that is a safe haven for our community…a place that champions lifelong learning, quenches curiosity, gives access to technology and is a place of exploration of ideas or interests.”

Warrick Taylor, Library Services Leader, and Adie Johansen, Community Services Manager of Manawatū Community Hub Libraries, enthusiastically recall the meticulous planning to integrate access-driven technology into the renovation of the library.

“We have been here since 1980,” Johansen says. “Through the years, the library stayed pretty traditional; lending books was the main focus. Then, in 2014, we did a review on services to make sure we were providing the best value for the money for our community facility. From that, we determined what we needed to do in the future to provide best services, and that pushed us toward RFID and self-service. That was basically the start of the journey for us.”

They quickly realised that the library space was not suited for modern purposes.

“We were one big open space,” she says, “and we were trying to do group things and also have spaces for private meetings, Justice of the Peace sessions, and other activities. We’ve got all sorts of programmes and we run something just about every day of the week, craft programmes and activities. We’ve got a number of partnerships with some regular groups, some who have been with us for years, and we have a huge holiday programme that we run for the community.”

“We were putting groups in the staff rooms,” Taylor shares, “because we already had two groups in the space, and we couldn’t get them far enough apart that they wouldn’t disrupt each other.”

“We started transitioning more into participation and social connection, and moved away from being a transactional library and more into an engagement space,” he explains. “We’re serving the whole region, and while we do have little volunteer community libraries, this one library has to kind of do it all. It takes around three hours to drive from one side of our district to the other. We have a population of about 34,000, with about 17,000 in town and the other 17,000 made up of our huge rural district.

“Our collection suits our audience,” he smiles, “we’ve probably got more books on chickens and smallholdings and tractors than libraries with four times the population.”

Already utilising every bit of space they could, it became obvious that they needed not only more space, but space specifically designed to incorporate more meeting rooms with modern technology options for users.

“That started a redevelopment journey for us,” Johansen says, “and in 2018 we put in a proposal to the Council to upgrade this facility. That was a big journey, and Covid happened to the middle, and for cost and other reasons, it took us a long time to actually get there. But in 2021 we got approval to start this, and we went from a 1,100m facility to close to 1,600m. We added-to and completely upgraded pretty much every inch of this facility. We introduced purpose-built meeting rooms and spaces, gave the library its own core area, introduced nice seating spaces and collaboration tables, and managed to include a makerspace and cafe.”

Taylor reflected on the revelations that occurred while they planned. “As we went through the development of what this facility needed for our community moving forward, we quickly learned that people in our community do a lot of things at night. During the day, they work, and there are a lot of farming communities here that make use of daylight. So, when they requested to have a swim club meeting, or a workshop, or some other type of meeting, it was all happening between 6 and 9pm.”

Initially, the library scheduled staff to be in the facility after-hours for clubs and meetings led by the community, but for budgetary reasons that became untenable. They needed a solution that wouldn’t require staffing the library after-hours. Already longtime users of Bibliotheca selfChecks, they were told about open+ and ultimately reached out to Scott County Library in Minnesota after encountering a story on LinkedIn about Scott County’s success with open+ for after-hours access.

Johansen connected with Kristy Rieger, Technology Manager at Scott County Library.

“Kristy was beyond helpful,” she says, “We had video chats, and she provided us with all of her documentation, background, and what they got up to. They’ve been running open+ for about four years. Now, we have it, too, and it allows the community to access the library to browse, use computers and wifi, print, copy, scan, check-out books, study, and use pre-booked meeting rooms with a PIN.”

Initially, library staff were hesitant about granting patron access to the library after-hours, but Johansen says “…they’re fantastic, now, and were even after the first couple of days. We have a process similar to what Kristy set up in Scott County, in that it’s not a blanket approval. You actually have to physically come into the library and go through an orientation with staff, and we talk you through how to use Open Plus after-hours access, what’s appropriate and not appropriate while you’re here. That seems to be the first thing that weeds out undesirable behaviours: if you’re not prepared to come and have a face-to-face with staff, then you’re not getting access.”

She continues, “Once staff got through the first couple of orientations and got comfortable doing them, and once staff recognised that nothing was out of place the mornings after patrons had after-hours access, it was like an instant sigh of relief. Patrons are loving this, they’re respecting this, this is great for our community. Staff got into showcasing it and they’re doing a really good job of talking about it. The team will say, ‘Oh, look! Don’t forget! You can come in after hours!'”

The library advertises the opportunity for patrons to access the facility after-hours in a welcoming and reassuring way:

“Open Plus is a membership add-on that provides self-service access to Manawatū Community Hub Libraries (MCHL) at our facility – Te Āhuru Mōwai, in extension of staffed hours up to 11pm. It does not replace or reduce staffed hours. Instead, it provides our community with more opportunities to use Te Āhuru Mōwai when it works best for them. It works similarly to 24/7 gyms where members use their membership card to unlock the facility.”

In preparing to implementing open+, Taylor and Johansen preemptively reached out to Feilding police and fire departments, and before the renovated library opened, the very first tour was given to the police and fire teams. Together with library crew, they walked the entire facility and ironed out safety details, and the library supplied fobs permitting twenty-four-hour entry into the facility and PIN codes for emergency call centres.

Johansen explains, “If someone rings and says, ‘I’m at the Community Hub in Feilding,’ the call centre tells the police, ‘Here’s the PIN code to get in and help this person’ so no one has to go outside and try to flag the police in. They can always get into this building, and we did the same thing with the fire brigade, in case any situation happened.”

After the police and fire brigades toured the library and understood the plans for extended access, Johansen says, “They realised, ‘It’s okay, other places have been doing after-hours access.’” The police and fire teams even began talking about Open Plus to community members, giving the library free word-of-mouth advertising from a trusted source.

Of the renovation, Johansen says, “We needed to make it work for the community. We recognised our community needed those late nights. We didn’t have more money for additional staffing, so as part of the renovation we put in open+. We built it into the cost as we put the project together. Since we were completely redoing the entire building, we had the opportunity to put in open+ and make it work for us. We told the architects: this is what we’re doing. We need to make provisions to make this work, please build it into your plan.”

Being the first library in New Zealand to give its community after-hours access by using open+ has meant that Taylor and Johansen find themselves answering lots of questions from other libraries, which they cheerfully oblige.

“We have had I don’t know how many libraries from around New Zealand come through to ask us, ‘How did you get it across the line? What are you doing? Have you had any incidents?’” says Johansen. “And honestly, it’s, ‘No, there have been no incidents, this is how we use it, just do it.'”

At a recent workshop of approximately forty libraries using the same library management system, Taylor was offered a 5-minute spotlight at the end to talk about open+. Johansen says, “He was inundated with questions. And we’ve been a little bit nervous about singing our praises, but we really want to do a massive shout-out to say, ‘Hey, we’re the first in New Zealand to allow people to use the library unstaffed.'”

In the few months since instituting open+, hundreds of patrons have signed up to use it, and the library has seen significant use on Sundays, a day the library is closed.

“We’ve got people that just love Sundays, since they’re always busy throughout the week,” Johansen says. “Being able to visit the library on a Sunday, on their own time, without having to rush, is really great for them.”

Taylor echoes the sentiment. “We’re a rural community and some people come into town once a week because they live forty minutes or an hour away, even more for some folks. They don’t want to keep coming and going, so when they’re here, they want to get more things done.”

Whether a weekday or weekend, after-hours use is significant, and how patrons use the library during those times varies from one person to another.

“One night, when I was here after six,” Taylor shares, “I got chatting with a patron who is in just about every night; he parked himself in a space and was quite happy with it. Then, I turned around and saw someone leaving through the door; it was a patron coming in obviously after work and she grabbed her books and was gone. That’s what worked for her, while the other person was there for the night. Different use cases. We’re making the library available for people when they need it.”

Johansen agrees. “Basically, Open Plus gives the community access from 9:30am to 11pm, seven days a week. Now that we’re used to people being here when we’re not, we’ve had comments from the community that it would be amazing if we were open at six in the morning, on their way to work. Our goal in 2025 is to look at extending it at the other end, for those early risers.

When considering expanding Open Plus hours to early mornings, they have no qualms about setting it up. “The software is refreshingly easy to use,” Johansen says.

“I was going to say,” Taylor adds, “the software is pretty darn easy to use. The biggest part is just setting up all the initial systems and processes and agreements.”

Patrons continually share positive feedback about accessing the library after-hours, and two stories in particular stand out to Johansen and Taylor. One family has a young daughter who experiences cyclical sleep patterns during which she is frequently awake for 12-16 hours overnight. The child’s mother said that there aren’t many places that they can go to do things at those hours, but because of Open Plus at the library, she “…is absolutely loving having somewhere positive to go with her daughter.”

“Another one of the lovely stories that we got quite early on was a young person who apparently was really struggling with their course,” Taylor says. “They’re in uni and they were studying at home, but it didn’t work. It was quite a busy home environment, lots of people around. And they were able to come in here to study, and they jokingly said, ‘My marks improved so much, I swear my tutor’s going to think I’m cheating.'”

“Their grades have gone from here to here,” he says, gesturing with one arm low and the other high, “because they could come in here and just study for three, four, five hours straight. And that’s exactly the kind of thing that we envisioned open+ being used for.”

“Open Plus is working exactly as we’d hoped and intended,” Taylor continues. “It’s providing after-hours access and wider opportunities for people to come and use the space. It’s the community’s resource. They can use it literally whatever time they choose to use it, not just the times we staff it. People love the service we’re offering, and it certainly works here. They appreciate what we’re offering them and they are one-hundred percent respectful.”

As Open Plus hours are used more and more every day, he says. “It’s just growing in use over time as word spreads. It’s my running joke that, come Boxing Day, when the family is driving each other up the wall, I’m bringing them in for a tour of the library. Come Boxing Day, there will be people in.”

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]]> Library Stories: Real Examples Of Innovation & Impact | Bibliotheca nonadult Seamless Innovation: How Bibliotheca Transformed Library Services at the University of Manchester https://www.bibliotheca.com/en-gb/customer-library-university-of-manchester/ Tue, 12 Nov 2024 12:46:42 +0000 https://bibliostaged.wpengine.com/?p=83079
Seamless Innovation: How Bibliotheca Transformed Library Services at the University of Manchester
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Manchester university
May 15, 2025
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Challenge
The University of Manchester Libraries sought a solution to enhance both student engagement and the overall efficiency of their library services. With a focus on improving accessibility, the university needed a technology partner that could seamlessly integrate with their existing systems and support the library’s mission to provide a high-quality, student-centred service.
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Solution
Bibliotheca provided a range of products, including the Self-check 500, Self-check 1000, RFID gates, remoteLocker, and uniFi+. These solutions were implemented with the goal of creating a modern and efficient library experience for students, making it easier for them to access library resources, and increasing the library’s overall service capabilities.
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Result
Although the products were installed recently in Easter 2024, early signs point to a positive impact on library operations and student experience. The University anticipates that Bibliotheca’s technology will help them achieve their strategic goals in the coming months.
"Bibliotheca’s technology has integrated seamlessly into our library system. We have not experienced any issues with the technical integration, and the equipment has been extremely dependable," said Martin O’Dwyer, Digital Support Services Manager from the University of Manchester Libraries.
Martin O’Dwyer Digital Support Service Manager, Manchester university
“Our services are a key part of university life. Bibliotheca’s technology supports our mission by improving the student experience and helping us deliver best-in-sector services,” said Martin, who oversees the relationship between the University and Bibliotheca. "Their collaborative approach, flexibility, and understanding of our specific needs have been instrumental in the success of our recent improvement projects."
Martin O’Dwyer Digital Support Service Manager, Manchester university

Integration into Library Services 

Bibliotheca’s solutions have been seamlessly integrated into the University of Manchester’s library systems. The technical implementation went smoothly, and the equipment operates reliably without any significant issues. This has been vital to ensuring consistent and effective services for both library staff and users.

“Our customer journey has been greatly enhanced by the integration of Bibliotheca’s products, with no reported issues from staff or students,” remarked Natalie of the library’s customer service team.

Key Products Benefiting the University

The library has seen excellent value in the selfCheck 500, selfCheck 1000, RFID gates, remoteLocker, and uniFi+. Each of these products plays a crucial role in improving library accessibility and enhancing student experience.

Student and Staff Responses

While it is still early to assess the full impact of these products, initial responses from staff have been positive. The students, who primarily interacted with these technologies during the summer period, have not yet provided formal feedback, but the university anticipates further insights once the academic year progresses.

How Bibliotheca Supports the University’s Mission 

Bibliotheca’s technology aligns well with the University of Manchester’s mission to provide valued services, remarkable spaces, and creative solutions. The library is committed to improving the student experience, and Bibliotheca’s technology is viewed as a key partner in achieving these goals.

“We are always keen to innovate and think creatively about how we can improve our services,” said Martin O’Dwyer Digital Support Service Manager at the university. “Our partnership with Bibliotheca helps us meet the evolving needs of our students, ensuring that our services remain at the forefront of technological advancement and student satisfaction.”

Looking Forward

The University of Manchester views Bibliotheca not just as a technology provider but as a strategic partner. The university values the collaborative approach Bibliotheca takes in delivering projects, often involving teams from various departments, and appreciates their flexibility in meeting the unique challenges of the academic calendar and resource planning.

“Bibliotheca has been instrumental in helping us deliver on our goals,” Martin added. “Their understanding of our sector and our specific challenges has made a real difference in ensuring that projects are delivered on time, with minimal disruption to our services. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Bibliotheca as we innovate and grow.”

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]]> Self-service by the sea: selfCheck 500 in Kaipara District Libraries, New Zealand https://www.bibliotheca.com/en-gb/library-story-kaipara-district-libraries/ Thu, 07 Nov 2024 12:15:57 +0000 https://bibliostaged.wpengine.com/?p=82417
Library Story
Self-service by the sea: selfCheck 500 in Kaipara District Libraries, New Zealand
kaipara district library
May 20, 2025
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Challenge
Refresh a branch using modern library self-service technology
mediation-24px
Solution
Utilise selfCheck 500 to help the tiny team streamline workflow
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Result
Empowered library patrons, more time for library staff to engage with patrons, more avenues for library promotions
Kaipara library, Fiction room
Kaipara library Junior area book nook
Kaipara library, Outside library sign with beanbags
Kaipara library Non fiction

In the Tasman Sea in the South Pacific Ocean, there is a small island filled with big hearts, big trees, lots of sweet potatoes, and a famous octogenarian named Bev. A mere two hours north of Auckland, New Zealand, you’ll find the richly forested, sea-spray saturated district of Kaipara on the Kauri Coast.

The district of Kaipara spans south from the Waipoua Forest, a fern-covered luminous land that is home to the country’s largest kauri tree: Tāne Mahuta. Nicknamed the “Lord of the Forest,” its age is estimated at 2,000 years and it shares the land with Te Matua Ngahere, known as the “Father of the Forest” with an age estimated between 2,500 and 3,000 years. The area is rich in Māori history, with settlements dating back hundreds of years, and its citizens take pride in preserving and honouring their heritage.

With a population of approximately 25,000, the district of Kaipara is a hub of farming, forestry, and beachcombing. The golden stretches of Baylys Beach attract and captivate vacationers by the thousands, while local arts, culture, and outdoor adventures keep community members and visitors busy year-round.

Where do the sweet potatoes come in? Kaipara is also known as the “Kumara Capital of New Zealand”, with kumaras growing abundantly in the tropical, sunny climate. Locals can tell you countless ways to prepare the root vegetable into delectables both savory and sweet.

While the island may be small, the personality of Kaipara is big, with a cadre of volunteers keenly dedicated to their district library for well over 100 years.

“We are a small library, but we offer mighty service, and we’re very proud of that,” says Molly Molving-Lilo, Lead Librarian of the newly anointed Mangawhai Branch Library of Kaipara District Libraries.

It takes about an hour to drive from the main library location in Dargaville on the west coast of the island, to the Mangawhai Library on the opposite coast, and peppered in between are three “community libraries” run entirely by volunteers in Paparoa, Maungaturoto, and Kaiwaka.

Kaipara District library, Outside Library Flag

These community libraries are supported through grants and contributions to cover materials and operational expenses, and all of them are connected to the LMS used by Kaipara District Libraries. Most impressively, they are all kept functioning by loyal volunteers. In fact, before becoming officially staffed by Kaipara District Libraries, the Mangawhai location was also a community library run by volunteers.

“Mangawhai library has actually been volunteer-run in this community for the past 130 years,” Molly says (she asked that we refer to her by first name). “It’s really inspiring to see the commitment and all of the volunteers. We have three other community volunteer libraries in the district, as well. We work alongside them and essentially share a collection, and we support them with digital services and subsidised broadband. It got to a point in Mangawhai where stats were skyrocketing and volunteers were operating beyond their voluntary capacity, so Kaipara District Library stepped in, went to the Council, proposed to turn it into a professional branch, and here we are today.”

After the labor of love to reimagine the Mangawhai facility as a Branch Library within Kaipara District Libraries, there was much celebration and festivities, including prizes, food, and a ruru-themed scavenger hunt.

Kaipara library, Volunteer Marjan and seed library
Kaipara ibrary, Volunteers Sherill and Maxine
Kaipara-library, Self checkout
Kaipara library, TUTU (steam) collection

Molly heads the Mangawhai Branch, managing its daily operations and the work of two part-time librarians. “It’s not a big space,” she says, “we’re actually quite a small library. We can give you a 5-second tour, that’s our motto.”

Once the location became a professional branch, the library was able to increase its hours, and within the first two weeks of launching, over fifty community members signed up for new library cards.

“We offer enhanced services, including computer use and digital support. With the growing digital world, there is a growing digital divide, as well, and libraries are institutions that bridge that gap. I’m proud of offering services and connections to the community, and proud of the levels of access we’re providing to the community.”

Already using a Bibliotheca selfCheck in Dargaville Public Library, the staff prized its ease of use and its features to collect statistics and boost library advertising. Molly explains that they also saw “…how well the community has taken to it. With modernised library service, it makes sense to have a self-checkout machine.”

When refreshing the Mangawhai branch, she says,“We also wanted to provide a self-checkout in Mangawhai to help support the staff. The community really loves checking out their own books—and kids, they love it, they think it’s cool to be able to beep-beep every book.”

Molly and her team utilised Bibliotheca training when setting up the selfCheck 500 in their new library branch, learning, among many other things, how to change the color of its lights and customise its screen with library promotions. She shared that having a selfCheck enables her staff to better serve and engage with people and “make them feel special,” and gives staff the flexibility and time to work on other projects.

She emphasised that the selfCheck 500 “…also empowers the customers and the community to issue their books, check their accounts, to look at what they’ve borrowed, what they need to renew. It puts that power in their hands and makes them feel like they’re contributing to their experience.”

Molly beamed about her Mangawhai team and the entire team within Kaipara District Libraries, plus the Kaipara District Council, for making the Branch a reality. “There’s so much to be proud of. This is a huge project for Kaipara Libraries, it’s a really nice step in the direction that we want to go.”

Perhaps above all else, she was overflowing with awe and pride for every single one of the community library volunteers. “They have been the backbone to the service and really built a strong foundation for us to come in and flourish. And of course, thanks to everyone in the community for using the library and willingly embracing change and the self-checkout machine, making it popular.”

Kaipara library, Maddy & Heather at counter
Kaipara library Junior picture book
Kaipara library, Bev and self checkout
Bev and the selfCheck 500 named after her.

Speaking of dedicated volunteers and community members, the Mangawhai Branch has both rolled into one exceptional individual named Beverly—Bev for short. Now in her 80s, Bev is a former longtime volunteer at Mangawhai and is one of the biggest cheerleaders of the selfCheck 500. So much so, that library staff have named the machine “Bev’s self-checkout.”

“We’ve dubbed it Bev’s self-checkout machine, because she was actually one of the first people to use it, with pure excitement and willingness to embrace this technology within this community.”

Molly shared parting words of encouragement to libraries considering adding a selfCheck: “Get it. Even with people previously hesitant to try it, the end result has always been that they loved it. Change is always happening, especially in the library world. It’s nice to embrace it, and it’s better to embrace it. Your community will love it as well, and we love it.”

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]]> Access abounds in Australia: Blue Mountains Library https://www.bibliotheca.com/en-gb/library-story-blue-mountains/ Tue, 01 Oct 2024 19:30:42 +0000 https://bibliostaged.wpengine.com/access-abounds-in-australia-blue-mountains-library/
Access abounds in Australia: Blue Mountains Library
Explore remoteLocker
Blue Mountains Library logo
April 28, 2025
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Challenge

Increase access in truly remote areas and improve overall efficiency.

mediation-24px
Solution

Upgrade entire system to RFID, install remoteLockers in mountainous areas, add selfCheck and smartShelf to library branches.

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Result

A more connected community and more active library users.

Blue Mountains, Australia, is a fantastical land of glowing mountains, canyons, waterfalls, caves, grasslands, wetlands, and rare flora and fauna. Located a quick train ride from Sydney, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Area dotted by 27 towns called home by 80,000 people. It contains one of the largest spans of protected bushland in Australia, and its sacred Aboriginal heritage is abundantly honoured and folded into everyday life.

Besides being an outdoor adventurer’s dream, Blue Mountains is a four-season destination filled with gourmet cuisine, local markets, upscale shopping, luxurious accommodations, and it attracts millions of visitors from around the globe every year. As if that wasn’t appealing enough, it’s also where you’ll find Katoomba Library, first on the list of the 14 Coolest Libraries to Visit in Australia.

Vicki Edmunds manages and directs the Blue Mountains Library system, comprised of the Katoomba Library and five other library branches spread across the region, from the most bustling to the most remote. She is an ardent fan of and devoted to the entire Blue Mountains area and the Blue Mountains City Council to support the community.

“I’ll explain where we are,” says Edmunds. “Blue Mountains City Council is a periphery council on the edge of Sydney, about a hundred kilometres from the centre of Sydney. And we call ourselves the Lungs of Sydney because of all the trees and the fresh air. We are positioned on a ridge line, on top of the mountains, and it’s probably about a hundred kilometers from end-to-end, with six libraries across the area.”

Aerial view of Blackheath, city of one of the six branches of the Blue Mountains Library System, surrounded by forested mountains and colorful homes.
This aerial image captures Blackheath, home to one of the six branches of the Blue Mountains Library System, located in the heart of the Blue Mountains, Australia.

Blue Mountains Library system is comprised of remote pocket libraries (of only 80 square meters) and large, gorgeously renovated branches that buzz with activity from residents and tourists alike. Edmunds considers Katoomba their main tourist hub, and is well-versed in the habits of the locals, naming the small towns and their populations, and recounting where and how far they drive to get groceries and other daily sundries.

“Megalong Valley is a country community, and its residents will drive to Blackheath for some of their supplies, because there’s no supermarkets or corner shop down in Megalong, so they drive up to Blackheath, which has got a small supermarket and bottle shops and restaurants and pubs. Or, they’ll drive to Katoomba, because it’s a proper service town with supermarkets and lots of restaurants.”

“Katoomba is fantastic, that’s what I love about it. Every weekend is packed. Local people go shopping on Thursday night before the tourists arrive, and we leave the town to the tourists on the weekend.”

Map of southeastern Australia, showing the location of the Blue Mountains near Sydney.
Map showing the Blue Mountains, a region west of Sydney, known for its natural beauty and part of New South Wales, Australia.

“I had a 10-year plan,” Edmunds says about her libraries. “Because we’re such a small council (we’ve only got 80,000 people in our local government area), our rate base is small, and we don’t have any major developments because of all of the bush. So, our rate base will not grow. I think we were the last library in the Sydney Metropolitan area to get RFID, and I did it through a grant.”

“In 2019 to ‘20, we had horrible bushfires go through and the federal government said, okay, here’s some grant funding to put some projects in place to provide resilience to your bushfire-affected communities.” Edmunds is referring to the bushfire season known as Black Summer, one of the worst in decades, spurring fires that raged for months and caused widespread destruction. In response to the tragedy, the Australian Government established the National Bushfire Recovery Agency and paired it with a fund of $2 billion to bolster recovery, reduce hazards, and mitigate risk in affected communities.

Knowing that converting the Blue Mountains Library collection to RFID would allow her to utilize further technology to vastly increase outreach and access for patrons, from the top of the mountains to the bottom, Edmunds wrote a grant requesting funding for her vision. Most crucially, it would allow her to provide resources during emergencies.

“During fires and disasters,” she says, “landlines go down, cellular coverage is unreliable, and even fails completely if fires take down cell towers.”

“We looked at that (grant) and thought, well, our bushfire-affected communities are Mount Wilson and Megalong Valley. Let’s get satellite wifi in place, because one thing that we got as feedback during the bushfires is that the communications failed, and that’s because they’re reliant on telecommunications that are connected on the ground. So, of course, as soon as that’s burnt, there’s no communications.”

“If we get RFID into the library,” Edmunds thought, “I can put library lockers in those community halls.”

remoteLocker and bookDrop system at Blue Mountains Library.

She knew that, during disasters, the Mount Wilson and Megalong Valley community halls became hubs, with residents converging to share information and help one another, with their generators to ensure that the halls stayed powered. “Because of that, the satellite wifi will stay active for them. We looked at all of that for the community, and they’re excited that they’ve now got this ongoing connectivity, which is great.”

She wrote a grant to revolutionize Blue Mountain Library processes and to increase the safety and connectedness of the community, and the grant was awarded. “And Bibliotheca were amazing,” she says. “They got quotes to me really quickly, because there was, of course, a short, short turnaround to put the grant in, and I said, I need quotes for this and this and this—for the RFID, and the lockers, and the self-checkouts, and the smart shelves.”

Edmunds and the Blue Mountains City Council worked to make the remoteLockers a reality, giving the community “…a tangible connection to Council, because that was another piece of feedback that we got: What did Council do for us? And here’s this lovely big book locker, where you can get books every month now, and so it’s a grand gesture for them, and they’re really responding well to it.”
selfCheck 1000 machines at Blue Mountains Library for self-service checkouts and returns

The first step was to convert the library collection of 90,000 items to RFID. “I let the staff lead that, branch by branch, and we probably took around three months,” Edmunds says. “We did the conversion in situ with library staff in six branches, and we also moved the conversion cart each time. All branch staff were trained in how to convert their collection to RFID; this was part of their RFID journey. We had a lead project person that would go into the branches and train them, and then leave them to do it at their own pace. Even I learned how to do it!”

Now that Blue Mountains Library utilizes RFID, taking inventory of the collection is much simpler. “Because with six library branches,” she says, “it used to take six years to do a stock take, because we’d do one library a year and we’d have to shut for the day to do it. But with RFID, we can do a stock take whenever we want. Take it once a month, now, because of RFID. And that’s one of the built-in KPIs for the library, to stock take them, because it’s a Council asset.”

Back at the community halls of Mount Wilson and Megalong Valley, the custom-wrapped remoteLockers with return bins were revealed during a recent celebration. Edmunds worked closely with fellow members of Blue Mountains City Council to facilitate the launch, which included the presence of and remarks by a well-known federal politician. Local residents attended the event, enjoyed cake and festivities, and signed up right then and there for library cards. They were excited, Edmunds shares, “…because of this connection to their local Council now. They really feel that Council has listened to them and are providing something.”

RFID gates at the entrance of Blue Mountains Library for security and inventory control.
About the working farming communities, Edmunds says, “They’re excited to have this, and excited realizing that it can be more than books, because the internet down there would be quite unreliable for streaming services. So, they are watching DVDs and listening to CDs, and we’ve still got all of that, and it’s really heavily used.” Edmund is happy with how the Bibliotheca team has been by her side every step of the way. “Getting the book lockers connected, that was really, really interesting, because we thought it was as simple as plugging into the satellite wifi that we’d installed, but it wasn’t.” “We’ve all learned so much, and it’s been really good that Bibliotheca worked with us because they’re going: try this, try that, try this. It was never: you’re on your own. They’ve all worked together, and they haven’t said, no, that’s your problem, or that’s their problem.” “I know that Bibliotheca can use this as a test case of what to do, because we’re the first remote people that I’m aware of. Everyone else has lockers out next to their library for the commuters, or for people out-of-hours. Bibliotheca can show how lockers work when it’s truly, extremely remote.”

She is also happy with training as a whole from Bibliotheca. “They provided a person that trained us, and we then training the others. And that worked really well. Bibliotheca kept giving us a person to show us; every time we installed a new selfcheck, or smartshelves, or anything, he’d come out, he’d install it, and then he’d show everybody there how to use it.”

Edmunds says she would tell anybody looking to embark on a project like this, whether or not they had circumstances of environmental disaster, “It’s definitely worth it, and seeing the excitement from staff once they realise that everything works, and the community response to it is really good, too. So, my advice is: have your vision, and just keep plugging away.”

Ever looking to the future, Edmunds adds, “I’ve already told Bibliotheca that I want, for my little pocket libraries, those 80 square meter ones, I want to put in open+. It’s a perfect fit, so, that’s my next grant.”

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]]> A Vibrant Community Hub in Paisley https://www.bibliotheca.com/en-gb/customer-story-paisley/ Tue, 06 Aug 2024 12:41:57 +0000 https://bibliostaged.wpengine.com/?p=75854
A Vibrant Community Hub in Paisley
Contact Us
Paisley Library exterior | A Vibrant Community Hub in Paisley
April 28, 2025
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Challenge
By integrating Bibliotheca products and services, they aimed to modernise their facilities and enhance the overall library experience for customers.
mediation-24px
Solution
Paisley Central Library implemented Bibliotheca's selfCheck 500 and RFID Gate to streamline check-out processes and improve security, providing customers with a seamless and efficient library experience.
done_all-24px
Result
Bibliotheca’s technology has empowered and supported Renfrewshire’s customers to engage with digital technology, making the basic functions of issuing and returning items more accessible to everyone.

In the heart of Paisley, Bibliotheca has partnered with the local library to create a vibrant, modern space that serves a vital hub for the community. This newly modernised library is glowing with knowledge and know-how, offering a range of unique services and support that cater to all ages.

A magical Children’s Area

The children’s area is a standout feature, encompassing many exciting ideas that make the library a place of fun and learning. It boasts a large wooden play structure with tiered seating, a quiet den, a slide, and a climbing wall. Sensory toys are available on the lower level for younger children, all set against an orange cushioned floor. An interactive floor-to-ceiling projector enhances playtime with preloaded games. The computers for children are nestled within a wooden half-boat structure, complete with portholes and a telescope for little ones to explore. A low-level counter at the entrance allows for easy interaction with families as they come and go. This vibrant area has become incredibly popular with families, local nurseries, and schools, making the library a favorite destination for young children.

Paisley Library kids climbing area | A Vibrant Community Hub in Paisley

A space for all ages

The library has seen a significant increase in footfall, especially on Saturdays. The volume and demographic of visitors have changed, with the library now busier and attracting a diverse audience. Teenagers and young adults, who have traditionally been difficult to draw into libraries, naturally flock to the upstairs gallery and the quieter second-floor non-fiction areas. The library’s convenient High Street location makes it a popular stop for university students who appreciate the excellent WIFI. Additionally, there has been a surge in requests from partners and community groups to use the library’s facilities for events and activities.

Paisley Library tory time 2 | A Vibrant Community Hub in Paisley

Integral to Town Regeneration

Located in a prominent position on Paisley High Street, the library is a key part of the town’s regeneration efforts. Nearby attractions include the under-construction Paisley Museum, the Secret Collection, the Arts Centre, and the Paisley Town Hall. The library’s presence encourages local businesses and customers to visit the town for leisure and recreational purposes. It offers a place for study, play, Wi-fi access, community connection and a wide range of activities and programs, making it an integral part of the residents’ daily lives.

Paisley Library reception | A Vibrant Community Hub in Paisley

Empowered by Bibliotheca’s Technology

Bibliotheca’s technology has significantly empowered and supported Renfrewshire’s library customers. The advanced system has made issuing and returning items more accessible, freeing up staff to handle more complex inquiries that add great value to service users. The display functions excite and inform customers about ongoing events, such as reading challenges, book and writing groups, and local crafting sessions, all of which support community health and wellbeing.

Additionally, the smart gate function records visitors’ statistics and alerts staff when customers need extra assistance with technology, ensuring a smooth and supportive library experience.

Paisley Library reading room | A Vibrant Community Hub in Paisley

The integration of Bibliotheca’s selfCheck 500 system aligns perfectly with the library’s vision, providing a modern, integrated experience that enriches the lives of Renfrewshire’s residents. This new library not only stands out as a place of knowledge and play but also as a cornerstone of the community, supporting a brighter future for all its customers.

“Bibliotheca’s technology has empowered and supported Renfrewshire’s customers to engage with digital technology, making the basic functions of issuing and returning items more accessible to everyone”, Stephen Slevin, Library Development Coordinator, remarked.

Bibliotheca and Stephen Slevin worked closely together, and we would like to thank him for his invaluable help and collaboration in producing this fascinating customer story.

Paisley Library interior dalek time machine | A Vibrant Community Hub in Paisley
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]]> Nørre Nebel Cultural Centre: Using technology to build an engaging cultural centre and library https://www.bibliotheca.com/en-gb/customer-story-norre-nebel-cultural-centre/ Tue, 12 Sep 2023 09:36:37 +0000 https://bibliostaged.wpengine.com/norre-nebel-cultural-centre-using-technology-to-build-an-engaging-cultural-centre-and-library/
Nørre Nebel Cultural Centre: Using technology to build an engaging cultural centre and library
Contact Us
varde bibliotek
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Challenge

Varde Library wanted their new Nørre Nebel branch location to be a community hub and function as a natural gathering place
for the local community.

mediation-24px
Solution

The library selected Bibliotheca's open+ solution to allow users maximum access to the library, selfChecks to provide intuitive self-service,
and uniFi+ to share important information with library visitors.

done_all-24px
Result

With Bibliotheca’s technology, Nørre Nebel is open for visits, checkouts, and returns from 7 am – 10 pm every day, leading to heavy use by both the local community and schools. uniFi+ makes it easy for library staff to create content and communicate with all visitors by broadcasting important information to every screen at the Nørre Nebel branch as well as
the main Varde Library.

Nørre Nebel Culture House and Library in Denmark is an inspiring example of how the fusion of technology and tradition can transform a library into a thriving community epicenter.  

At the core of this evolution is the deployment of Bibliotheca’s open+ access solution. By extending the library’s operating hours from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., the library has greatly increased user accessibility. The integration of open+ count, a discreet people-counting technology, has also empowered the library to make informed decisions based on insightful data regarding visitor footfall during staffed and unstaffed hours alike.   

Once inside the library, Bibliotheca’s selfCheck kiosks seamlessly streamline the borrowing and returning process, offering a simple and intuitive user experience. All Bibliotheca solutions are part of an integrated ecosystem that, collectively simplifies maintenance, upgrades, and user interactions. 

Additionally, both Nørre Nebel and the main library, Varde, use uniFi+, Bibliotheca’s library communications solution. This solution facilitates the broadcasting of important messages and captivating content across an array of screens – ranging from PCs to selfCheck displays and stand-alone digital signage. uniFi+ is user-friendly, making it simple for library staff to create content with text, images, and video and display it throughout the library wherever they choose.  

Kristoffer W. Rasmussen from Varde Library noted that: “The capacity to repurpose content across multiple screens is particularly helpful. Our diverse array of screens benefits from a unified content strategy, enhancing the sense of cohesion between the Main Library and its satellite branches.” 

Peter Holm Lindegaard, Varde Library Manager, knows that libraries of the future must build a bridge between the digital and analogue world in order to remain relevant to their communities. He emphasises that uniFi+ and library technology such as selfCheck and open+ are essential tools for libraries to combine these worlds. 

Bibliotheca’s complete ecosystem helps libraries increase efficiency, improve user experience, expand access, and provide effective marketing. By using self-service solutions and library management tools, libraries can automate processes, free up staff time to enhance their services, and help libraries function as the hubs of their communities.  

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Nørre Nebel Cultural Centre and Library

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“The capacity to repurpose content across multiple screens is particularly helpful. Our diverse array of screens benefits from a unified content strategy, enhancing the sense of cohesion between the Main Library and its satellite branches.” 

Kristoffer V. RasmussenMediator at Varde Library
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