Library‐a‐go‐go: bringing the library to the people

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the current status and challenges of providing library services to commuter populations living in the fastest‐growing region of the San Francisco Bay Area, where the closest library building can be more than 20 miles distant.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the impetus for, and experience of, introducing to the USA familiar ATM‐style technology adapted to lend books.

Findings

The paper suggests ways to correct inequities in delivery of library services to those who are disadvantaged by lack of proximity to a library building.

Originality/value

The paper provides an example of a library implementing, testing, evaluating, and expanding an innovative service.

Citation

Hampshire, M. and Sanford, C.E. (2009), "Library‐a‐go‐go: bringing the library to the people", New Library World, Vol. 110 No. 11/12, pp. 541-549. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074800911007550