Takin’ It To The Streets: Mobile Library Card Applications for Community Events Tammy Wallin Noack Hennepin County Library

Before We Start Not here to talk about an app Simple solution for issuing library cards off-site, even outdoors, for community events New options for outreach

Outreach Goals Increased community engagement Create opportunities to talk to patrons about our programs and resources Develop a variety of ways to promote the use of library resources

A Question Project Homeless Connect: one-stop event for people experiencing homelessness HCL had participated before, but presence was limited to information Outreach staff asked: “Can we issue library cards at this event?”

Option 1: Mail a Card Typically used to verify county residency Not viable for patrons with no permanent address Manual process; time-consuming for staff Increased potential for errors, duplicates No opportunity for conversations with patrons about existing accounts Delayed access for patron

Option 2: Go To Library Patron may never follow up – Some may not feel empowered to visit the library without a card in hand Delayed access for patron

Seeking A Different Option Real-time connection to ILS Allow access to existing patron records while the patron is present Available at event locations of all kinds, including outdoors

Technically Speaking… 1.Laptop & Barcode Scanner 2. WiFi or Wireless Hotspot 3. VPN 4. ILS Connection

Policy & Procedure Streamlined process for busy events – Eliminated writing hold pickup number – Created dummy record for quick “duplicates” – Had patrons write info while waiting for faster entry Kept other policies/procedures in place for consistency – Required staff to look for existing accounts – Waived card replacement fees for Homeless Connect Reviewed policies with staff

Troubleshooting Hard-wired connection is ideal If using WiFi: get details before the event Bring a wireless hot spot just in case Arrive early, and have a backup plan If outdoors, move scanners out of sunlight Have two stations for larger events Some patrons will not have ID

Planning for the Future Creating a kit for staff to reserve for events – Web form to request equipment, just like other IT requests

The Impact Tangible takeaway is empowering Immediate access to resources, so they’re more likely to use them (?) New options for community engagement anywhere!

Questions?