Author: caking

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

 

Hyperlinked Environments create spaces that are safe and welcoming in a divided world. Libraries can play a crucial role in this by offering support during times of need. For instance, during environmental crises such as fires, heatwaves, or freezing temperatures, libraries serve as sanctuaries, providing filtered air, a warm space, or a cool refuge. Libraries remain “open” during challenging times, ensuring that people have a safe place to go.

Recently, I came across an article in my local newspaper titled “Sonoma County Library Launches Yearlong Diversity Program Amid Uncertain Political Climate.” It was heartening to see our library administration publicly declare that the library is welcoming and safe for everyone regardless of race, ability, gender, or sexuality. Gestures like these create connections and reach people in a holistic way, allowing them to access resources.

Other ways that libraries create hyperlinked environments and eliminate barriers to library access—Include offering extended hours, eliminating fines, providing electronic library cards, and accepting various forms of ID in order to get a card, making it easier for anyone to get a card.

Additionally, our local library recently installed Biblioboxes at all the libraries, allowing patrons to pick up physical materials that they put on request, 24/7. The Bilbliobox  program makes it possible for users to easily request and receive materials, further breaking down barriers to library access. These efforts exemplify how libraries can act as vital, inclusive hubs in our communities by creating an environment that allows people to link in to them.

Public libraries are meant to be inclusive and welcoming spaces for everyone. At the library branch where I work, we continually ask ourselves who we’re not reaching and how we can connect with them. As I reflect on this, I want to celebrate the work my system is already doing, while also considering new ways to engage more people.

Recently, I partnered with a local organization, The Common Ground Society, which supports families with loved ones who have disabilities and educates the community on inclusivity. Together, we created a book club focused on books by and about people with disabilities. The Common Ground Society helps with publicity and sends a representative to each meeting, while the library takes charge of planning, promoting, facilitating, and hosting the events. This partnership and book club have been incredibly successful and have taught me valuable lessons about facilitation and the nuances of hosting inclusive spaces.

Everyone who has attended our meetings is deeply grateful for a place where disabilities can be discussed openly and where people’s voices are heard. The majority of participants are parents of children with disabilities. However, a few individuals with disabilities have shared that listening to parents discuss their challenges has been triggering, as it reminds them of the strain they may have caused their parents. We also noticed that people with disabilities weren’t speaking as much as the parents of children with disabilities. In response, we implemented a plan where each person has the opportunity to speak at the start and end of each session. Additionally, we introduced a wait timer to ensure everyone has enough time to respond, considering that some people are using a communication device or need extra processing time.

I’m grateful that everyone who attended was able to provide feedback, especially suggestions for improvements and change. 

Looking ahead, we’re exploring ideas to further include people with disabilities in these conversations. One idea is for the library system to host a virtual disability book club, which would be facilitated by staff members with disabilities from our DAT (Disability Advocacy Team). The club would continue to focus on books written by and about people with disabilities. The online format will ensure that those who can’t visit the library in person can still participate, and it will make the book club accessible to people throughout the entire county.

Last semester, I completed my required courses and am now focusing on classes that align with my interests as I work toward becoming a public librarian.

I am interested in this course because I’ve enjoyed Dr. Stephens’ lectures in INFO 200, The Hyperlinked Librarian was recommended to me by several colleagues at work, and I enjoy classes that make me feel excited about the work that I do.

Before transitioning into the library field, I worked as an elementary school teacher for 11 years. In 2013, I decided to make a career change and began working at the public library near my home. Over the years, I’ve held various roles, including shelver, specialist, and for the past eight years, I’ve been a library associate on the reference team.

I am especially passionate about disability services, and currently, I run a book club that focuses on books by and about people with disabilities. This experience has been incredibly rewarding, as I’m learning so much about community engagement, facilitation, and communication.

Outside of work, I love going on walks and hikes. Recently, I completed the Camino de Sonoma with a group of friends and family, and we’re planning to start the Bay Area Ridge Trail in a couple of weeks. At home, I share my life with my spouse, our two kids, our dog, and our three chickens (who live in the coop outside). I am looking forward to this semester and learning from each other.