Library in a Box
Lending machines for books got some press a couple of years ago when Brodart had one at ALA. Books in vending machines isn't a new idea and apparently they've been popular overseas for some time time, though more in a "vending" than "lending" way.
What's happened since then?
Library lending machines came up for a brief discussion at an SCLS Technology Committee meeting. Result of discussion: "interested libraries should find out more about them."
The Toronto library has investigated them.
Some libraries across the country have implemented them.
- One library's experience with 2 different projects:
- Cutler Lending Library Unveiled
- "Job in a Box" Unveiled (targeted toward job seekers)
- At the grocery store: "Pick Up a Book or DVD With Those Groceries"
- At a tourism center on Highway 27 (Polk County, FL)
- At train stations in California, and New York:
- Contra Costa County has dubbed their effort "Library-a-Go-Go" (love the name!) and has machines in multiple locations
Information about Brodart's Lending Library product
- Brodart: http://www.books.brodart.com/Content3.aspx?P=114
- http://www.books.brodart.com/pdfs/Lending_Library/Lending_Library_FAQ.pdf
What do you think about library lending machines?
How about this: an eBook Vending Machine!
http://www.teleread.com/japan/japanese-company-shows-off-ebook-vending-machine/
Posted by: Jean Anderson | 07/21/2011 at 10:46 AM