In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, libraries are adapting to meet the needs of a tech-savvy generation.
With the aim of enhancing customer experience, libraries are embracing innovative solutions, and one technology that is taking the sector by storm is the Smart Locker. With a predicted market growth of over one billion US dollars by 2024, Smart Lockers are already proving to be a game changer for libraries. In this blog post, we will explore the unique capabilities of Smart Lockers and how they are transforming libraries.
Enabling Smart Library of Things: Gone are the days when libraries offered a simple borrow-and-return service for a limited range of materials. Smart lockers have opened up a world of possibilities, allowing libraries to expand their lending catalog and join the ‘library of things’ initiative. Libraries can now offer sports equipment, household tools, and musical instruments for patrons to borrow, saving valuable time and money. An example is the Fontana Regional Library in North Carolina, which has partnered with the Franklin Appalachian Trail Community Council to promote a healthy lifestyle by offering sports and hiking equipment to the local community.
Click + Collect Availability: Smart lockers enable libraries to adopt a click-and-collect approach, similar to businesses. By installing smart lockers, libraries can elevate the pick-up experience for patrons. This allows them to collect ordered library materials at a time that suits them, avoiding long waiting times and making the process simple and stress-free. Libraries can position themselves as accessible destinations for all patrons.
Smart Secure Access to IT: Smart lockers provide a secure solution for vending, lending, and storing expensive IT assets. Libraries can offer education resources to individuals who may not have access to the internet otherwise. Access to technology is crucial for developing basic IT skills and increasing digital literacy. By installing smart lockers, libraries ensure equal access to technology and opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Weather-proof: Designed to withstand all kinds of weather, smart lockers are manufactured with anti-corrosive steel for 24/7 lending and holding solutions. Whether installed indoors or outdoors, these lockers are weather-resistant and can be used in direct sunlight, thanks to their 1000+ nit screens. This allows libraries to extend their opening hours at no extra cost, providing patrons with around-the-clock access to library materials.
Integrating with LMS and the Cloud: Smart lockers offer librarians and library staff greater control over asset management. With remote access and a cloud-based system, librarians can minimize time spent on inventory management and focus on assisting patrons. The cloud-based system also facilitates efficient tracking of inventory, ensuring that libraries are aware of the location and condition of IT assets. Smart lockers can be seamlessly integrated into a library’s LMS/ILS systems, creating a fully connected system accessible via the Cloud.
Smart lockers are revolutionizing libraries by offering versatile solutions that enhance the customer experience. From expanding lending services to providing secure access to IT assets, smart lockers are transforming the way libraries operate. With their weather-proof design and integration with LMS and the Cloud, these lockers provide libraries with the flexibility and efficiency needed to meet the demands of the digital age. To learn more about how smart lockers can enhance customer self-service, please reach out to Ristech.
