Smartlocker moves into library

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This article was published 25/09/2014 (4002 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

West End readers need no longer worry about the books they’ve put on hold being snapped up before they can swing by the library.

The West End Library, located inside the Cindy Klassen Recreation Complex (999 Sargent Ave.), officially introduced the Smartlocker inside its establishment as of Sept. 17, but according to Theresa Lomas, administrative co-ordinator of information and virtual services for the Winnipeg Public Library, said it’s been there since the beginning of June as a “soft launch.”

Lomas said the Winnipeg Public Library posted an online customer survey called “Counting Opinions,” and they received an overwhelming number of comments from library users wanting more flexibility in options and times to pick up books that they’ve put on hold.

“We wanted to (try) the Smartlocker and see how it worked,” Lomas said.

The Smartlocker is a big, blue unit not unlike a storage closet with 34 lockers. It is widely used in Europe, but this is the first of its kind in Canada.

To use the Smartlocker, library users can request to put books on hold as they regularly would. However, instead of being put on the shelves in the library, the books are placed in the 34 lockers of the Smartlocker. They can access the Smartlocker by scanning their library card, typing in their password (which is usually the last four digits of their phone number), and clicking a few buttons. Afterwards, a locker will pop open, and users can grab their books and go.

“It’s very easy. Children can even use it,” Lomas said.

According to Lomas, the first Smartlocker in Winnipeg was strategically placed to be in the West End Library.

“The Cindy Klassen Recreation Complex is open additional hours to what the library is open, so that means that customers have more flexibility as to when they can pick up their holds,” Lomas said. “For instance, I do aqua zumba here on Monday nights, and the library is closed Monday nights, but when I come and do my exercise class, I can come and pick up holds from the Smartlocker even though the library is closed, which is very nice.”

The Smartlocker was quietly introduced at the beginning of summer in June just as a trial run and to address any glitches or issues before the Winnipeg Public Library could officially announce its presence. For the most part, it’s been successful and the response from community members has been positive.

“Since the beginning of summer, (more than) 800 items were being picked up from the Smartlocker,” Lomas said.

There is no charge to use the Smartlocker — anyone with a library card is able to use the unit.

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