As library professionals, we are continually seeking innovative ways to meet the needs of our communities. Our goal is to serve current library users more effectively while also reaching those who have yet to utilize our services. By adopting a holistic approach, we strive to deepen connections with people and provide innovative means of access to the library. In The Heart of Librarianship, Michael Stephens states, “We must capitalize on these opportunities to use everything at our disposal—technology, our buildings, evolving services—to reach all users wherever and whenever they need us” (Stephens, 2016).
Through community participation and library-led initiatives, libraries have increasingly integrated technology into their public spaces, allowing for greater patron autonomy. Self-checkout machines, for example, offer patrons the convenience of quickly picking up and checking out materials, reducing wait times and minimizing interactions. This fosters a sense of privacy and independence. It increases the number of patrons that can be served at one time while allowing staff to focus on readers’ advisory, programming, and reference services.
Additionally, Automated Material Handling (AMH) systems improve sorting and material handling processes behind the scenes, increasing efficiency and reducing repetitive tasks for employees.
Book lockers, such as the Sonoma County Library Bibliobox, allow patrons to pick up holds 24/7, enabling them to scan their card, open a locker, and retrieve books already checked out to them. This service makes library materials more accessible to those whose schedules do not align with standard operating hours.
Laptop kiosks further streamline library operations and enhance user experience by offering laptops that patrons can use in flexible work spaces, whether in private pods or group settings, rather than traditional computer terminals that do not allow for collaboration or flexible seating. Laptops also benefit patrons with disabilities who may have difficulty accessing desktop computers.
Some libraries have taken self-service a step further by allowing patrons access to facilities even when staff are not present. For example, the Gwinnett County Public Library offers a service called “Open Access,” which enables library cardholders to enter the building a few hours before staff arrive and after they leave by simply swiping their library card. In its first year (2016), the Open Access program served over 8,000 patrons, according to the article Automatic People: Self-Service Libraries.
By expanding self-service options, libraries can continue to function as vital community spaces, providing access to resources even outside of staffed hours. While this concept is still gaining traction in the United States, many European countries have already embraced it. Denmark, for instance, adopted the “Open Library” strategy as a means to keep libraries accessible despite budget constraints that limited staffed hours. As Jan Holmquist explains, “The ‘Open Libraries’ framework has made our libraries even more active learning spaces in the community. It has given us a broader reach and expanded our opportunity to do what libraries do everywhere: make their communities smarter” (Holmquist, 2016).
As with any innovation, there are concerns. Issues surrounding access for children under 18, safety, technological hiccups, access to people with disabilities, and security must be carefully addressed to ensure that self-service models remain inclusive and equitable. However, with thoughtful implementation and ongoing evaluation, participatory and self-service libraries can play a crucial role in expanding access, fostering community engagement, and adapting to the evolving needs of library users.
References
Gwinnett County Public Library, (2025, February 16). Open Access. Open Access – Gwinnett County Public Library
Holmquist, Jan. (2016). Open Libraries: Self- service libraries- The Danish way. Open libraries: Self-service libraries – The Danish way. – Jan Holmquist
Public Libraries News-What’s Happening to Your Library?November 2024. List of Staffless Libraries in the United Kingdom and beyond
Stephens, M. (2016). The Heart of Librarianship:Attentive, Positive, and Purposeful Change. ALAEditions.
Zulkey, Claire. (2019). Automatic for the People. American Libraries, September 3, 2019. Automatic for the People | American Libraries Magazine