{"id":36125,"date":"2024-09-20T22:07:14","date_gmt":"2024-09-20T22:07:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.parcelpending.com\/?p=36125"},"modified":"2024-09-20T22:07:14","modified_gmt":"2024-09-20T22:07:14","slug":"boosting-library-services-with-smart-lockers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.parcelpending.com\/en-us\/blog\/boosting-library-services-with-smart-lockers\/","title":{"rendered":"Boosting Library Services with Smart Lockers"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Changing Nature of Campus Libraries<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The library is a rapidly evolving landscape on college campuses. Print resources have been demoted, staffing shortages feel urgent, budget cuts are rampant, and pandemic-era students are struggling to engage with libraries\u2019 materials and services.<\/p>\n

Despite these challenges, libraries aren\u2019t going away. In fact, they are transforming to suit student needs even more effectively. For example, Purdue University found that 98% of students still spend time in the library.1<\/sup> Students today now come to recharge digitally and emotionally, find a sense of community, grab a \u201ccuppa java,\u201d and, yes, hit the stacks for study sessions.<\/p>\n

Here are a few ways that campus libraries are augmenting their services with smart lockers to deliver an elevated and convenient experience for students, staff, and faculty.<\/p>\n

Benefits of Using Lockers for Library Services<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When every budget dollar counts, implementing solutions that work smarter and harder is essential. Here we share how smart lockers help library staff meet both student demands (convenience) and campus administrator needs (efficiency).<\/p>\n

More Convenient<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Smart lockers reduce wait times and improve the student experience. Crucially, students can pick up loans or rentals on their schedule, including outside operating hours when the circulation desk isn\u2019t staffed.<\/p>\n

Valencia College<\/a> in Florida, for instance, exemplifies how smart lockers can revolutionize campus operations. Initially introduced to address pandemic-related challenges for the bookstore, the college\u2019s VC Vault locker systems now offer support beyond bookstore operations. The college’s library adopted the system as a central book distribution center, enhancing its service capabilities. By leveraging the lockers, Valencia has achieved a 94% student pick-up rate within 24 hours.<\/p>\n

Valencia is also exploring further applications for the lockers on campus, including plans to integrate the food pantry into the VC Vault network. This expansion demonstrates the system’s versatility in addressing diverse student needs across campus. As Frankie Ortiz, Assistant Director of Auxiliary Services at Valencia College, says<\/a>: \u201cStudents don\u2019t have to work around our schedules because their time is important as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

More Efficient<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Smart lockers also add a necessary dose of technology, speeding up operations while also reducing headcount required for fulfillment. This allows staff to reallocate their time to in-person support.<\/p>\n

Rollins College<\/a>, for instance, implemented Parcel Pending by Quadient\u2019s Campus Hub\u2122 solution to help manage student mail and packages, as well as the distribution of other goods and assets on campus. The institution\u2019s locker distribution system manages everything from student mail and packages to tech equipment, library materials, campus store merchandise, food deliveries, and move-in\/out supplies.<\/p>\n

The implementation of this solution brought significant operational benefits to Rollins College, most notably enhanced efficiency \u2013 allowing the college to reduce staff hours without resorting to layoffs. Further, the improved logistics enabled the redeployment of employees to revenue-generating functions.<\/p>\n

Delivering MORE Than Just Print Materials<\/strong><\/h2>\n

As budget priorities change, more and more libraries are shifting away from print materials. A recent survey of library deans and directors revealed that when faced with potential budget cuts, print resources were among the first items they would reduce:2<\/sup><\/p>\n