Automated Materials Vending Stations

We’ve all heard of self service check out stations in libraries around the country, a handy option for busy urban libraries but not very useful for the little guys out in rural areas. Well, there is now a variation on the self-service system that may be a useful option for providing service in rural and underserved areas. In essence, book vending machines are coming onto the market. If you can buy a bag of chips from a traditional vending machine then you can get a library book from one of these. The August 2009 issue of Library Journal features an article detailing one library system’s experience with this new technology.

The Contra Costa County Library System (CCCL) in California has begun using automated materials vending stations called GoLibrary. These stand alone machines can be available 24 hours a day 7 days a week and can hold up to 400 paperbacks or other materials. The machines are capable of conducting checkouts and accepting returns. A cardholder simple uses a touch screen to make their selections. A robotic arm then delivers the desired materials through a slot. When a patron is finished materials are returned through the same slot. The machines offer an option to house materials in plastic cases or without them. The use of plastic cases allows almost any media type to be circulated. Books, audios, movies, Playaways, games, etc. may all be used in these machines. Contra Costa Library System’s collection is updated quarterly and since the collection consists strictly of paperbacks the cost of refreshing the collection is not prohibitively expensive. CCCL has places three machines in its service area. Two are located at mass transit stations and one has been placed at a shopping center in underserved area.

The machines require a location, a dedicated high speed Internet connection, SIP2 (Standard Interchange Protocol, version 2) integration with an ILS (Integrated Library System), and RFID tags on the materials to be circulated in the machine. There are currently four companies offering these machines with purchase prices ranging from $20,000 to $120,000. Possible locations for the machines include mass transit stations, shopping centers, town halls, or community centers.

Of course, these machines have some drawbacks. First and foremost the cost is likely to be prohibitive for most rural libraries. However, it may be cheaper than running a bookmobile service to underserved areas. This cost would need to be compared carefully to fully explore if a unit was worth the Return on Investment (ROI). In addition, because this is new technology users should expect considerable downtime at first while the kinks are worked out in the system. Some of the machines are manufactured in Europe and as such have difficulty with American book sizes. It is also necessary to have a dedicated IT professional to handle integration issues with the ILS and any other connectivity issues that may arise. Lastly, any library considering instituting this service should arrange for a good public relations campaign. Onsite demonstrations and library card sign ups should be arranged when the machines are put into service.

Obviously the machines have advantages, chief of which is the opportunity to provide 24/7 service to underserved areas. However, the sheer cost and technology support needs involved likely make it an out of reach idea for most individual rural libraries. Library systems may be better able to take advantage of this technology and are likely better equipped to deal provide the technical support necessary to make the service a success. The machines may also provide a viable alternative to bookmobiles.


References:
Kantor-Horning, S. (2009). Self-service to the people. Library Journal, 134(13), 16-19.