Pilot Project: Tools to Enhance Staff Mobility

Presented by: Meg Canada

An idea is born…

Amy McNally, Teen Services Librarian presented a proposal many moons ago to try using a laptop computer in the Ridgedale teen area during peak hours.

Purpose of pilot

To assess if mobile technology:• Enhances customer service during busier

times in areas of our buildings • Makes roving more productive and

appealing• How staffing model changes or is affected• Would augment service plan for capital

projects underway (Plymouth and Maple Grove)

Details

• Customer Interaction

• Information Services Staff

• May be used with program or class

• Ask me buttons from Bd Pilot

Two technologies to test

Tablet PC (mobile in its design)

Laptop Computer secured to a mobile cart

Assessment

• Compare the two projects.

• How was the computer used? Online tools, catalog, etc.

• Why was the desk scheduled/used during this time? (eg: Program)

• Comments/ more information about the shift

• Types of transactions

When? Who? How?

• Availability• Evaluation • Communication

Ivanhoe Library - portable reference tablet

Ivanhoe library does not have a conventional reference desk. Instead they use a portable tablet which can be carried around the library by roving reference staff.Ivanhoe library is part of the Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service, Melbourne Australia

-Via Flickr.com