{"id":52969,"date":"2023-05-18T16:59:01","date_gmt":"2023-05-18T16:59:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bibliostaged.wpengine.com\/?p=52969"},"modified":"2025-04-29T19:10:23","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T19:10:23","slug":"library-story-gatineau","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bibliotheca.com\/library-story-gatineau\/","title":{"rendered":"Gatineau Public Library Streamlines Service and Expands Access With New Technology"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLIBRARY STORY\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tGatineau Public Library Streamlines Service and Expands Access With New Technology\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"logo_Gatineu_Library\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMay 18, 2023\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"extension-24px\"\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tChallenge\t\t\t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tGatineau Public Library needed a suite of solutions to support its large-scale RFID conversion. \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"mediation-24px\"\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSolution\t\t\t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe library partnered with Bibliotheca to implement leading-edge library technology in all library branches.\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"done_all-24px\"\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tResult\t\t\t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t80% of transactions are now handled via self-service, freeing staff to provide personalized service and reduced hold-times for patrons.\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Gatineau, Quebec is located on the northern shore of the Ottawa river in Canada, just across from Ottawa, Ontario. The Gatineau Public Library services system encompasses 11 branches, serving 300,000 residents.

<\/p>

Making the most of new technology<\/h2>

In an effort to increase efficiency and improve patron experience, in 2019 the Gatineau Public Library began converting its collection to RFID<\/a>. An RFID conversion is a large undertaking and Gatineau\u2019s library leaders wanted to be sure that the new solutions they selected would not simply work well, but also provide their patrons with a stellar library service and experience.<\/p>

\u201cWe did a lot of research before making a decision,\u201d says Elsa Hui-Yi Chang, Staff Librarian. We visited a lot of libraries, saw their systems, and compared solutions from different providers.\u201d<\/p>

The feedback they received about Bibliotheca was promising and the library was drawn to the fact that Bibliotheca had a nearby office and local technicians. But more than anything, Gatineau was excited to work with a company that offered so many different, integrated solutions.<\/p>

\u201cThe range of products is what makes Bibliotheca stand out,\u201d says Hui-Yu Chang. \u201cA lot of companies offer certain products, but not all. Since this was a very long-term project with a lot of potential, we wanted to work with a company that could accompany us throughout the project and meet a variety of our needs. We are very happy with our choice.\u201d<\/p>

The library selected selfCheck<\/a> 1000 kiosks, a flexAMH sorter<\/a>, Bibliotheca RFID gates<\/a>, and the Mobile DLA scanner<\/a>.

<\/p>

Intuitive self-service<\/h3>

The selfCheck<\/a> 1000 provides a modern, intuitive self-service experience. LED guidance leads patrons through the entire checkout process, making it simple for even first-time users to follow along and transforming the library service.<\/p>

\u201cThe selfChecks are very stable. We are really happy with this purchase. The employees love it, and we barely have questions from customers because it\u2019s so intuitive,\u201d says Hui-Yu Chang. \u201cWe appreciate being able to change the language too. Most of our patrons are French speakers, so we must prioritize French, but patrons can easily select the language that works best for them.\u201d<\/p>

Gatineau was hoping that updated self-checkout solutions would increase the percentage of patrons using self-service. It worked. Now, more than 80% of all transactions are handled at the selfCheck.<\/p>

\u201cThe selfChecks with integrated payment options save so much time,\u201d says Hui-Yu Chang \u201cThe counter is less busy, so staff can walk through the library offering personalized help. There\u2019s more time to process and reshelve returns which reduces waiting time for patrons.\u201d

<\/p>

RFID: delighting staff and patrons alike<\/h4>

As expected, RFID has been a major time-saver for Gatineau, but it has also had some unexpected benefits.<\/p>

\u201cThe staff can just grab a pile of books, place them on the workstation all at once, and have them immediately processed,\u201d says Hui-Yu Chang. \u201cThe\u00a0mobile DLA<\/a>\u00a0scanner has been surprisingly helpful for our technical services team. We can place a hold on an item and if the item is in technical service, we can use this tool to find it faster. It\u2019s very useful for us.\u201d<\/p>

Like many libraries, Gatineau hosts a lot of classrooms. With so many children borrowing so many materials, items occasionally get overlooked during checkout. Previously, when the security alarm would sound, staff had to manually rescan every book to find the culprit. Now, the\u00a0staffConnect<\/a>\u00a0software identifies the title of any item that has not been deactivated as it passes through the RFID gates.<\/p>

\u201cInstead of collecting all the books, we can just ask which child has a particular title. We then place the book on the workstation, and it\u2019s correctly checked out,\u201d says Hui-Yu Chang. \u201cThe staffConnect gate software is very helpful, as is the libraryConnect software that lets us monitor the status of all of our Bibliotheca equipment at a glance from one place. We use it daily.\u201d<\/p>

Gatineau installed a\u00a0flexAMH<\/a>\u00a0to increase efficiency and automate returns, but the solution has become a focal point of the library.<\/p>

\u201cSurprisingly the sorter is very interesting to our patrons,\u201d says Hui-Yu Chang . \u201cWe installed the flexAMH in a small glass room. So many people stop to watch it work that we installed a projector in the room as well to display our promotions on the glass. That location is amazing.\u201d<\/p>

Gatineau\u2019s project is far from complete. The library system will be building a new branch in 2023\/2024 and the new location will feature a host of Bibliotheca solutions, including a 15-bin flexAMH.<\/p>

\u201cDisplaying the sorter has worked so well, we may consider a similar arrangement in the new library,\u201d says Hui-Yu Chang.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"icon-open-book\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

You may also Like<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

INSIGHTS + TRENDS<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t
\"Academic<\/a><\/div>
Blog<\/a><\/div>

Academic Accessibility: remoteLocker and cloudCheck tablet in Lindell Library at Augsburg University<\/a><\/h4>
Augsburg University\u2019s Lindell Library reimagines access with self-service technology, empowering students through flexibility and inclusion.<\/div>
Read More<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Discover how Gatineau Public Library transformed service and patron experience with RFID, self-service, and smart automation across all branches.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":52970,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[74,78],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-52969","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-library-stories","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bibliotheca.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52969","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bibliotheca.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bibliotheca.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bibliotheca.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/27"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bibliotheca.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=52969"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.bibliotheca.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52969\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bibliotheca.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/52970"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bibliotheca.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52969"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bibliotheca.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=52969"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bibliotheca.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=52969"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}