What research did you do to establish your best practices?

In 2018-2019, we had a great opportunity to commission research about self-service in public libraries through a Countywide partnership with the University of Minnesota's Resilient Communities Project. Professional graduate students from the University of Minnesota and St. Kate's Master of Library & Information Science program contacted other libraries, surveyed our community, and applied professional expertise to help us succeed. We are forever grateful to RCP and the student contributors. Their research is openly accessible and linked below. 

Study #1: Open Self-Serve Library Feasibility Assessment
Citation: Gunther, Matt. (2019). Open Self-Serve Library Feasibility Assessment. Resilient Communities Project (RCP), University of Minnesota. Retrieved from the University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/206502.

Study #2: Open Libraries Feasibility Assessment
Citation: Bartlett, Chelsea; Bostrom, Molly; Chovan, Eleanor; Eschweiler, Deb; Hoitomt, Krista; Klinesmith, Sarah; Konstan, Ellen; Kenning, Ren; Para, Maggie; Riestenberg, Jennifer; Schmierer, Alee; Walter, Meghan; Wetzel, Shannon. (2019). Open Libraries Feasibility Assessment. Resilient Communities Project (RCP), University of Minnesota. Retrieved from the University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/206523

Show All Answers

1. What is Extended Access?
2. Why is Scott County Library pursuing this service?
3. How does it work?
4. Who can sign up for and use Extended Access?
5. Do library users have to pay to use this service?
6. Can an Extended Access member bring guests or family members such as children?
7. How will the library be safe when staff aren't there?
8. How do you report feedback or problems if staff aren’t there?
9. Will I still be able to talk to a librarian?
10. Once I sign up, will I be able to use the service immediately?
11. Are you planning to add Extended Access to other Scott County Library locations?
12. Do I have to live in Scott County to use Extended Access?
13. What research did you do to establish your best practices?
14. How has the community responded?
15. Who can I contact to ask questions about implementation?