It is not only necessary but vital for libraries to explore and embrace new service models that adapt to the evolving needs of their communities, shifting away from the outdated, conventional practices. One such model is the open library model, where library staff hours are combined with self-service to offer patrons greater access to the library by simply unlocking the doors with a keycard and pin code as video surveillance and RFID technology tracks their movements. This model has been highly successful in Denmark, attracting many happy loyal fans and even inspiring some to visit the library for the first time (Holmquist, 2016).
Open+ Access Puts Library Staff Front & Center. Sourced from Bibliotheca (n.d.).
Swipe, type and enter. Sourced from Scandinavian Public Library Quarterly (n.d.).
Despite this technology allowing more libraries to increase their opening hours and stay open among widespread budget cuts, some locations across London have received backlash over safety concerns, such as disabled patrons being left alone and unable to access disabled toilets during unstaffed hours. Most of the contention, however, lies within north London’s Barnet borough, where 10 out of 14 libraries have part-time staffing while the rest are volunteer-run. As a result, Barnet’s council opted to use security guards for the entrances rather than raising staff hours, despite there being 33% less full-time working librarians since 2010 (Murray, 2019).
Campaigners in Barnet, London, protest against cuts to libraries. Photo by Erini Rodis. Sourced from The Guardian (2019).
Furthermore, this video made by the Edgware Library in Barnet presents a few crucial risks inherent within the open library model.
Although I don’t want to discredit the many benefits this model has created for patrons around the globe, it’s important to not allow it to be used against information professionals under the guise of budget cuts or unavailable funding.
Because encouraging and inspiring staff members to view themselves as part wizards, geniuses, and explorers rather than mere part-time employees is how leading institutions, like the Anythink libraries, actually builds community through human connection, information, and engagement (Anythink Libraries, n.d.).
Anythink Backyard Concert Series. Sourced from Anythink Libraries Events (n.d.).
References
Anythink Libraries. (n.d.). Anythink staff manifesto. https://www.anythinklibraries.org/sites/default/files/imce_uploads/Anythink_Staff_Manifesto.pdf
Anythink Libraries. (n.d.). Anythink strategic plan 2018-2022. https://www.anythinklibraries.org/anythink-strategic-plan-2018-2022
Holmquist, J. (2016, April 6). Open libraries: Self-service libraries – the Danish way. https://janholmquist.net/2016/04/06/open-libraries-self-service-libraries-the-danish-way/
Murray, J. (2019, July 21). Backlash grows against unstaffed libraries. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/jul/21/backlash-grows-against-unstaffed-libraries
Public Libraries News. (n.d.). List of staffless libraries in the United Kingdom and beyond. https://www.publiclibrariesnews.com/about-public-libraries-news/unstaffed-libraries
@kianapouya You highlight the potential and pitfalls of the Open library model. Michael Casey will be joining us in early November and will talk about his library’s use of the model. It has been a very positive experience overall. The video you shared above seems to be working very hard to make the case against. That library system seemed to be struggling with issues eight years ago. I hope things are better now!