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:
  • Peninsula Library System in CA
  • Contra Costa County Library in CA
  • Scarsdale, NY
• 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? 

Comments

[Jean Anderson]

How about this: an eBook Vending Machine!
http://www.teleread.com/japan/japanese-company-shows-off-ebook-vending-machine/