Kiosks for Convenience

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Washington County (Minn.) Library and Carver County (Minn.) Library have implemented a high-tech kiosk system called iLibrary developed by LEID Products.  The kiosks offer increased convenience by adding another location where patrons can pick up items. The idea of building a new library was not feasible given the unlikely funding.  However, action needed to be taken in order to provide efficient customer service alongside the increasing population and distance between the existing branches.

Washington County Library director, Patricia Conley said, “We can see people stopping by the Library Express [the library’s branding for the kiosk] to pick up their books right along with the rest of their daily errands.  It’s a fast process and will only take a few minutes to pick up the items they have put on hold.” 

Patrons can use their library card number and e-mail address on file to request books.  When the materials are ready, patrons are notified via-email where they can pick up the items. The enter the last four digits of their library card number on a keypad on the kiosk to ensure security, and are then directed to a locker where their checked out items are located. Melissa Brechon, library director of the Carver County Library, describes the library kiosks as a stepping stone and as a way to provide more access to library patrons. Carver County Library is testing its iLibrary inside the  Victoria Recreation Center, a hockey arena, while Washington County Library has its iLibrary stationed outside of Hugo City Hall.  Both are available for longer hours than the libraries are open, and the city hall location is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Thus far, the feedback has been very positive with one patron stating, “It’s one of the best uses of my tax dollars!”