Helping libraries thrive in uncertain times

This is particularly true of technology companies like bibliotheca which has brought a wealth of solutions to the market in recent months.

Still open, still accessible

bibliotheca recently introduced open+ count and open+ reserve, solutions designed to help libraries monitor and control building occupancy and alleviate user anxiety, while ensuring access to critical library materials and services.

open+ access, bibliotheca’s automated open library solution, has been in use across the globe for over a decade, offering users access to library buildings and resources during unstaffed hours. open+ count, a standalone module, uses anonymous people-counting technology to monitor library occupancy and alert visitors to current library conditions via large display screens. open+ reserve allows users to book specific appointment times from their smartphone or computer, guaranteeing they will be able to visit the library at the time they have chosen.

A game-changer for libraries and public spaces

“Covid-19 has changed the game for libraries and other public spaces. Libraries are struggling to adapt to health and safety concerns while staring down the likelihood of impending budget cuts right when their communities need their services most,” said Ray Hood, bibliotheca CEO. “We fast-tracked the development of these two new modules to help libraries ensure that access is as safe as possible without burdening library staff and increasing costs.”

In addition to the open+ modules for physical library users, bibliotheca has also released a new Cirrus reader for their cloudLibrary digital platform. The new reader is the first outside of Amazon to offer a scroll reading option in addition to the traditional swipe/page turn. Cirrus allows readers to customise reading preferences such as spacing, night mode, and margin size. Six font options are available, including Open Dyslexic and Large Font for the visually impaired. The horizontal view offers a two-page spread perfect for children’s books while providing support for interactive read-aloud content.

“While library doors were shuttered, the number of people turning to digital content skyrocketed. There is every reason to expect digital lending to continue to grow, even after the current Covid-19 crisis ends,” said Oliver Martin, bibliotheca Chief Product Officer. “Our development team is focused on pivotal technology and solution design that can continually expand, ensuring digital users keep coming back. The new cloudLibrary Cirrus reader is just the first of many exciting updates to come for the cloudLibrary platform. Parents with young children at home will be delighted with the engaging and interactive digital children’s books.”