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1. What is Extended Access?

Extended Access is a library card add-on / membership service that provides self-service access to some Scott County Libraries outside of staffed open hours. It does not replace or reduce staffed hours. Instead, it provides our community more opportunities to use the library when it works best for them. It works similarly to college libraries, 24/7 gyms, co-working lofts, and other shared public spaces. Members use their library card to unlock the library. At this time, it is only available in a few locations, but will expand to other Scott County Libraries in the future. 

2. Why is Scott County Library pursuing this service?

Extended Access empowers our community members to use their library when it works best for them. For several years, we've been exploring ways to make our buildings more open to the public, such as after-hours access to meeting rooms. The positive response to meeting rooms inspired us to consider maximizing access to resources like Wi-Fi, computers, and study spaces. We're excited to be more available than ever to early risers, remote workers, technology users, homeschooling families, childcare providers, and others who love using the library.

3. How does it work?

First, customers sign up to get a membership privilege added to their library card. (More information about signing up is on our EA webpage). When they visit outside of staffed hours, members simply scan their library card barcode and enter their PIN at an entry panel to unlock the door. Once inside, they can freely use in-library resources and self-service equipment such as the self checkout machines, computers, printers, copiers, and study rooms.

4. Who can sign up for and use Extended Access?

Any Scott County Library cardholder aged 16 and older can sign up for Extended Access membership. You don't need to be a Scott County resident (the more the merrier!), but you do need a library card registered with us. Teens ages 16 and 17 must have a parent/guardian also view the orientation materials with them and sign the membership agreement on their behalf. 

5. Do library users have to pay to use this service?

No, Extended Access membership is absolutely free for all cardholders aged 16 and older who sign up. 

6. Can an Extended Access member bring guests or family members such as children?

Yes, and they assume responsibility for their guests per established library policies and their EA Membership Agreement (PDF). All youth ages 0-15 must be accompanied and supervised by an EA-enrolled adult during Extended Access hours, no exceptions. 

7. How will the library be safe when staff aren't there?

Maintaining safety and cleanliness is our top priority. Cameras are installed throughout the library to monitor activity. Members are also required to attend an orientation and sign an Extended Access agreement (PDF) to acknowledge their responsibilities to keep our staff, other library users, and the facility safe. We have also communicated with local law enforcement police to ensure they're aware of the service in the rare case of an emergency. 

8. How do you report feedback or problems if staff aren’t there?

We have several processes in place to help members report technology issues, space problems, or other concerns. 

In the event of an emergency, please call 911. 

1. Our Extended Access Feedback Form is available on our website at all times. QR codes are also posted throughout the library for instant access to the web form. Submissions route to our Administration team, who will coordinate an on-call response. 
   
   
2. Download the Scott County Library app "Scott Lib MN" (available on both iOS and Android) and tap on the "Extended Access" section to conveniently access the Feedback Form on your cell phone.
   
   
3. For issues that require immediate response, call Library Administration at 952-496-8010 between 8am - 4:30pm to speak with staff or leave a message.
   
   
4. For less pressing issues, you're invited to directly email your library or leave a voicemail for library staff. View all SCL Locations, Hours, & Contact Information.
   
   
5. Print feedback cards are available in the library to simply share how you're feeling. 

9. Will I still be able to talk to a librarian?

There won't be librarians on duty during Extended Access hours, but they are available during regular staffed hours to offer the same services you know and love. 

10. Once I sign up, will I be able to use the service immediately?

Depending on timing, you should be able to use the service within 24 hours of registering. After you turn in your membership agreement, our staff takes a few extra back-end steps to add the privilege to your library card. You will be notified by email when it's turned on. 

If you are an Extended Access member who is experiencing access issues with your library card, contact our Technology Team: linotices@co.scott.mn.us 

11. Are you planning to add Extended Access to other Scott County Library locations?

Yes, we plan to add Extended Access to other Scott County Libraries in the future. Some of our buildings may need updates to implement Extended Access, so the rollout order is determined by facility needs. At this time, we're carefully surveying each library to ensure you will have a safe and pleasant experience. This is an exciting time for us and we're grateful for the enthusiastic support of our community. If you have ideas about the future vision of your library, we invite you to get in touch. 

12. Do I have to live in Scott County to use Extended Access?

You don't have to live in Scott County to be an Extended Access member, but you do need to have a library card registered with Scott County Library. If you have a library card from another Minnesota library, we can add it to our system during your membership orientation. Make sure to bring an ID so we can ensure your contact details are up to date. 

13. 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

14. How has the community responded?

The feedback we've received from our Extended Access users has been overwhelmingly positive. We invite you to peruse the news articles below, which help tell our story and how the service has grown thanks to our members. For updated statistics, comments, or other information, please contact Library Administration at 952-496-8010. 

Nov 1, 2021 - Present

• Scott County Continues with Plans for Self-Service Library, Patch, September 5, 2023
• Around Town with the Mayor Janet Williams, City of Savage News Post, September 5, 2023
• Scott County's pioneering extended-service-hours program delivers for New Prague, Minitex News, September 1, 2023
• Open after hours New Prague Library welcomes extended access, The New Prague Times, June 8, 2023
• Twin Cities libraries embrace new self-service library hours, without librarians present, Star Tribune, January 28, 2023
• The Library is Open, Scott County Residents Report 2022
• Library Cards Provide Extended Access at Jordan Library, Scott County SCENE, Winter 2021–2022
• Jordan Library, after successful pilot, permanently extends off-hours access, Jordan Independent, January 13, 2022

Research (2019-2020) & Jordan Library Pilot (Sept 1, 2021 - Oct 31, 2021)

• New Technology Helps Jordan Library Expand Hours in Pilot Program that Could Pave the Way for Scott County Library System, Henderson Independent, August 19, 2021
• Self-service pilot resuming at the Jordan Library, Jordan Independent, July 15, 2021
• A New Chapter for Scott County Libraries, RCP Blog Post, February 28, 2019

15. Who can I contact to ask questions about implementation?

Please call Library Administration at 952-496-8010 to connect with the Library Technology Manager.