Posted on July 19th, 2013 by Christine Schonhart in Library Services, Major Projects, Strategic Plan
Tags: branch libraries
From December 2012 through February 2013, a review of all Boston Public Library branch locations was conducted. The goal of the review was to evaluate how successfully the branches meet the Principles for Excellence established by the Compass: Strategic Plan approved by the library’s Board of Trustees on November 15, 2011.
You can find the full text of the review here, and then click the image of the map.
Posted on July 11th, 2013 by Christine Schonhart in Library Services, Technology
Why, it’s the Library’s new self-checkout kiosk. And, if you’ve been to 15 of the neighborhood branches over the past year, you may have seen it or even used it yourself. In the next few months, a self-checkout kiosk will be installed in every branch of the Boston Public Library.
To use the kiosk:
1) Scan your library card barcode
2) Scan the BPL barcode, usually located on the front cover of the book
3) Place the book in the cradle until the screen indicates to remove it (you’ll also hear a “thud” sound)
4) Chose whether you’d like a printed receipt
At this time, only books can be checked out at the kiosk. Movies and music should be brought to a staff member for assistance.
If you’ve tried the self-checkout and want to let us know what you think, please leave a comment in the comments section. If you like to read more about the self-service trend in libraries check out this 2010 article from Library Journal.
Branches that currently have a self-checkout: Adams Street, Brighton, Charlestown (pictured), Codman Square, Dudley Square, Fields Corner, Grove Hall, Honan-Allston, Hyde Park, Lower Mills, Mattapan, Roslindale, South Boston, West End, and West Roxbury
Branches scheduled for installation: Connolly, Egleston Square, Faneuil, Jamaica Plain, North End, Parker Hill, South End, and Uphams Corner
Posted on July 5th, 2013 by Mary Frances O'Brien in Library Services, Major Projects
Tags: Back Bay, Copley Square
The Central Library Wayfinding Project will take a big step forward this summer as it enters the fabrication and installation phases. Library staff and users will begin to see the first elements of the comprehensive signage and wayfinding system in the coming months. The first signs will be focused on identifying rooms, elevators, and other named spaces. Restrooms will be prominently marked and the hardware for directional signs will be fast-tracked. When completed, the wayfinding system will have more than 500 pieces and include almost 60 different design elements.
The system was designed to facilitate easy updates to information about the building and its services. Temporary relocations of services and collections associated with the first phase of the Johnson Building Improvement Project will be reflected in the signage system. Collections will be clearly identified and the map updated as the moves occur. Pictured below are context renderings, depictions of what some of the elevator lettering will look like.
Posted on July 2nd, 2013 by Christine Schonhart in Library Services, Major Projects
Tags: Roslindale
The Library is working with Leers Weinzapfel Associates Architects and a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) on a programming study for the Roslindale Branch of the Boston Public Library. Goals of the study include a review of all program spaces, furniture and finishes, technology, multipurpose space, collections and mechanical systems. Follow the progress here. The next meeting of the CAC will be on Wednesday July 31, at 6pm at the Roslindale Branch, located at 4246 Washington Street, Roslindale. If you cannot attend a meeting, please comment here or send the team an email at ask@bpl.org.
Posted on June 28th, 2013 by Christine Schonhart in Library Services
Tags: Charlestown
In the Fall of 2012, the Charlestown Branch of the Boston Public Library was temporarily closed for improvements that included a new roof, windows, heating and cooling systems and window treatments. Thanks to an innovation initiative from Mayor Thomas M. Menino, the Library was also able to install a small early literacy book nook in the children’s room so that our earliest readers and their caregivers would have a comfortable, bright and welcoming place to gather, read a book, and play. New carpet, soft furniture, early concept books and wall toys that help with infant brain development were all part of this exciting project. Stop in to visit the staff and this fun, new space.
![booknook1[1]](http://www.bpl.org/compass/files/2013/06/booknook11.jpg)
