As vaccinations continue and the country moves closer to a return to pre-pandemic operations, one industry that faces unique challenges is our Public Libraries.
Communities rely on public libraries as a convenient resource for borrowing reading materials, research and study tools, and entertainment media to enjoy at home. Unfortunately, continued fears of exposure for both patrons and staff have presented the library communities with a series of challenges.
Many libraries have closed off public areas and are instead choosing to promote the use of online catalogs for book holds and scheduled pickups. This change created opportunities for forward-thinking companies like Luxer One to introduce an innovative solution to struggling library communities with their results-oriented Smart Lockers system to provide an answer to this very problem.
These temporary measures helped Public Libraries maintain operation during lockdown conditions – but as we approach the end of pandemic shutdowns, new flexible solution strategies will be needed to ensure that daily library activities can continue safely.
If there is anything we have learned from the past year, it’s that traditional library practices are desperately in need of an update. If current trends are any indication, the next evolution in customer convenience will come from adopting innovative technologies such as Luxer One’s modular smart lockers. These secure locker systems offer a safe, contactless, self-service pickup and return process that busy patrons can easily access at their own convenience.
Illinois’ Villa Park Public Library explored many different solutions before selecting
Luxer One as their preferred smart lockers solution. Luxer One smart lockers checked all their boxes including 24/7 pick-up, simple and user friendly, and a reliable camera system for security. They continuously see significant growth in locker sign-ups month after month; each month having a higher sign-up rate than the last. Luxer One has processed over 20,000 library exchanges since May of 2020. Pick-ups are made easy, convenient, and efficient for the community members as well as the staff and they continue to recommend Luxer One to other libraries and at SWAN membership events.
Luxer One’s integrated technology can even be synced with online library systems to provide in-depth tracking on every item that is exchanged via smart locker. This vital inventory data can help library staff ensure that no materials ever get lost and help provide better communication on inventory availability for their patrons.
Patrons have the option to leverage Luxer One bluetooth-enabled mobile app for a 100% contactless pickup experience. Lockers can be placed indoors or outdoors providing an intuitive user experience that offers 24-hour access for busy patrons to the many resources that libraries provide including IT assets, AV equipment, books, and even health and wellness products.
For more information on how Smart Locker systems can help your college or university, feel free to contact our team today!
