In this week’s lecture for Hyperlinked Communities, @michael talks about Open+ at the Gwinett County Public Library which allows people to enter the library before or after staffed open hours, increasing access to library services and technology.
In 2019, the Toronto Public Library retrofitted two small branches with Staffless Library technology created by Bibliotheca, the same company which created the technology for self checkouts implemented in 2004 which resulted in the loss of 81 full time positions (Local4948, n.d.). The union fought against move towards Staffless Libraries through an online campaign, lawn signs and these award winning videos created by Head Gear Animation.
Watch the videos here.
From the perspective of library management, and some members of the public, staffless or self-service library hours are a great idea! Just a few weeks ago, I registered a patron for self service access to Todmorden Room, which is located in a community center. It took a few clicks on the computer, a form to fill out and sign which included the rules of conduct, an email and interoffice mail. Now she can visit the library while she is waiting for her children to do their swim lessons. All she has to do is scan her library card and enter her PIN.
I had also heard about an incident where an excluded customer had entered the library during self-service hours, by banging on the door and demanding access to the library. Two customers were already inside and one of them opened the door. The excluded customer yelled, “I need a computer!” and the two customers left. The excluded customer began using the public computers to view inappropriate materials and doing other things that are not appropriate for a public space.
Balancing the risks outlined in the videos (including inappropriate use as outlined above, patron safety, unattended children, etc) and to jobs for library workers with increasing access to library users can be tricky. The library provides a much needed free space for all which includes people who may be experiencing trauma related issues. Does restricted access create issues around service for all which now the public has to navigate?
The self checkout technology implemented in 2004 has made processing books faster as well as improving service to customers. Less line ups and so on. I could not imagine going back to the “old days” although we did experience a version of this during the “down time” after the cyber attack of October 2023.
Is it possible to embrace the convenience and extended service offered by staffless library hours while also maintaining patron safety and keeping library worker jobs? We must try to find a way to balance all of it.
References
Head Gear Animation. (2023, November 29). Head Gear Animation – TPLWU 2 dangers [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCopGuty_nY
Local 4948. (n.d.). Staffless libraries. https://www.local4948.org/issues/staffless-libraries/
Local 4948. (2019, January 20). Thank you for your support, @irismooninthecity ! We have been delivering these lawn signs all over the neighbourhood around Todmorden Room library [Post]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs4LYZxBdz6/
Stephens, M. (2025). Hyperlinked communities [Video]. Panopto. https://sjsu-ischool.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=3eacdb23-84fd-49e5-9975-aef3014b3ed2
Stephens, M. (2019). Wholehearted librarianship: Finding hope, inspiration, and balance. ALA Editions.
Toronto Public Library. (2025). Self-service open hours at Swansea and Todmorden Room. https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/hours-locations/extended-hours-program/