Book lockers were first introduced by Strathfield Council as a convenient and innovative new way to collect and return library books 24/7. This click and collect locker solution coincided with the first COVID lockdown in 2020. The book lockers allowed the Strathfield Council Library and High Street Community Libraries to remain “open” while the country was in lockdown, as they were able to provide a ‘contactless’ library service via the automated lockers.
The High Street Community Centre in Strathfield was the first library to provide a book locker service to members. The success of this book locker prompted the Strathfield Council to install two click and collect book lockers at the Strathfield Council Library.
My Parcel Locker Co-founder Kim Kake helped to develop a custom locker system that cleverly integrates with the Strathfield Library online catalogue, giving community members contactless access to a whole range of library resources.
“The idea was to provide a more flexible and accessible book service. The response to the High Street Community Centre book locker was so positive, Strathfield Council felt it would be beneficial to offer members the same service at Strathfield Library,” explains Kake.
How book lockers work:
- Library members reserve books/resources online via the library catalogue.
- Once library items have been reserved, the member can collect their items from the book locker 24/7.
- The library member will receive a message with a collection code. They can then go to the locker, scan their code and follow the onscreen prompts to collect their items.
- The book locker has a ‘return’ function for when it is time for library members to return their items.
“There’s more to libraries than just books. Most libraries also have movies, games, puzzles, music, audiobooks and plenty of educational resources for children stuck at home during lockdown. 24/7 lockers provide library members with a new ‘self-serve’ experience and can be customised to suit any library or community space. All collections and returns can be carried out easily, without having to set foot inside the library,” says Kake.
Confidence in quality – made to Australian standards
My Parcel Locker (MPL) are Australia’s top electronic locker supplier and specialise in book lockers, parcel lockers, refrigerated lockers, laundry lockers, click and collect lockers and delivery management systems.
Kim Kake: “MPL Australian made parcel lockers are manufactured from the highest quality Australian steel and aluminium. They can withstand harsh environmental conditions and fully comply with Australian standards for quality. All parcel locker components are designed in Australia. We have an experienced Australian software team and we offer in-house Australian 7 day helpline and support.”
Contact My Parcel Locker to find out how a Click and Collect locker will work for your building.
