The new Self Service feature on the Simcoe County Libraries app allows patrons to check out materials at the Essa Public Library themselves, directly from their smart phone. (Photo credit: Emily Nakeff)
Essa Public Library is among the first to introduce a new feature on the Simcoe County Libraries app that allows patrons to check out materials in the library directly from their smart phone.
Centered around the patron experience, this option provides flexibility, convenience, and enhanced privacy for library users.
“It transforms the patron’s relationship with materials in the library,” said Laura Wark, CEO of the Essa Public Library.
The self-service feature is the newest addition to the existing Simcoe County Libraries app, which also features programs, digital resources, audio books and more. As COVID-19 restrictions continue to be at play, more and more libraries in the area are considering the benefits of the feature.
Essa Public Library activated this feature in January, andlibrary users are already sharing positive feedback. For Wark, it’s an important step in making sure people feel comfortable and confident within the library environment.
“I feel strongly that this library is for the community,” said Wark. “It’s so important that we step away from the stereotypes of librarians protecting the collection and have the patrons really feel like they have access to the materials and the space.”
There are many reasons a patron might want to keep their selections private. Topics such as mental health or other health issues, religion, sexuality or addiction can all be highly personal. Connected to the Nottawasaga Pines Secondary School, Essa Public Library is also frequented regularly by teens and young adults who Wark says may not always feel comfortable approaching an adult at the desk with their materials.
Because the app is linked to an individual’s personal library account, youth accounts don’t permit checkout of certain adult materials, including mature video games and 18A DVDs. With the self-service feature on the app, those same account restrictions remain in place.
To use the feature, simply download the Simcoe County Libraries app on the Apple Store or Google Play. Set up your account using your library card and scroll down to “Self Service”. Then, simply hold your device against the back of an item to check it out to your account. Newer operating systems are required for the software to work on Android smartphones and the iPhone 7 and above.
By: Emily Nakeff, Editor
