Houston Public Library Tests Curbside Delivery Service
Two branches with limited parking will participate
Lynn Blumenstein -- Library Journal, 09/09/2009
- Usage still low, but expected to build
- Delivery integrated into first-come, first-served philosophy
- Budget cuts may limit expansion
Houston Public Library (HPL), often in the forefront of technology service offerings, has ventured in a new direction by adding a curbside delivery service. HPL To Go is being tested at two branches that are "parking challenged," in the words of the Houston Chronicle.
From online to curbside
HPL To Go combines procedures that are both high-tech and low-tech. Patrons reserve materials online and are notified by email that they are available. Instead of entering the library, patrons notifiy the staff by phone that they are waiting outside in the car, giving them their library card number and a description of the car. A staffer then gathers the materials and delivers them to the car.
Delivery just takes a few minutes and requests are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, HPL spokesperson Sandra Fernandez told LJ. "At this point, we have not had any long waits." Usage has been sporadic so far, said Fernandez, who noted that it should increase with expanded media coverage.
Future expansion?
Whether the service expands depends on its popularity as well as budgetary factors. "We will be using customer feedback, usage data, the demand for service at specific locations, and staffing levels at locations to determine any expansion," explained Fernandez.
HPL, like many libraries, has experienced budget cuts. "If we do receive additional cutbacks, there is a possibility that it would impair future expansion of the service," said Fernandez.
