[Libs-Or] Charging stations

Thu Dec 21 19:04:00 PST 2017

We do something very similar to what Beaverton has done and it works well for us here in Sherwood. Low cost, low risk.

We also just created a new small sign that will be around the library with very accessible graphics that says “Need something? Don’t hesitate to ask!” It includes the charging adapter, ear buds, the regular office supplies, external disc drive, portable scanner, USB drive, toys, etc. I’m hoping that helps get the word out since I am gathering through a recent survey that a lot of people don’t ask and assume we don’t have the tools they need because they don’t see them. (Proper credit goes to our librarian, Beth Gilbert, for the graphic and working out many of the procedures that go with these “things”.)

Adrienne Doman Calkins
Library Manager, Sherwood Public Library
22560 SW Pine Street, Sherwood, OR 97140
503-625-4272  |  AdrienneC at wccls.org<mailto:AdrienneC at wccls.org>
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From: Libs-Or [mailto:libs-or-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us] On Behalf Of Christina Hanson
Sent: Thursday, December 21, 2017 4:49 PM
To: Ted Smith <t.smith at newportlibrary.org>
Cc: libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us
Subject: Re: [Libs-Or] Charging stations

While you mentioned reluctance about loaning out charging devices to patrons, we've actually had a very good experience with the route we took.  At Beaverton City Library, we purchased two multi-device charging cables, keep them in pouches at the reference desk, and check them out to patrons with their ID or library card.  These cables can be plugged into the USB drive of our computers or the patron's laptop, and will charge up their phone, tablet, etc. while they are visiting us.
This is pretty close to the model we have (and I believe, pretty close to the price we paid)- $6.99, hard to beat:

https://www.amazon.com/Vastar-Premium-Multiple-Charging-Connector/dp/B00WFNNJB2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1513902853&sr=8-3&keywords=multi+device+charging+cable
Also, we have a USB to wall adapter that we loan to patrons in the same fashion- pretty much identical to this model (in cases where the patron would prefer just to sit at an electroical outlet, rather than at one of our internet stations):

https://www.amazon.com/Charger-Charging-HopePow-Adapter-Samsung/dp/B071X6QR95/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1513903042&sr=1-1&keywords=usb+to+wall+adapter
We have not lost these yet, and we loan them out very regularly.  Ours do not support any data transfer- purely charging.

Our very technical loaning procedure- the devices/cords are in pouches, with a labelled index card (with the device/cord name on the front) paper clipped to the pouch. We keep these in the reference desk drawer.  When a patron wants to check one of these out, they give us their library card (or ID), we remove the index card and paperclip, give the pouch to the patron, and keep the library card (or ID) paper clipped to the index card in our desk drawer until they return.  We always know which patron has which device checked out to them.  So far, very easy on staff, and no MIA technology.  I only know of one time when the patron did not return for their ID at the end of the night- in this case, they had simply left the charging cord in the computer, and we simply called them the next day and they came and retrieved their left ID out of the library safe the next day.
It has been so great to be able to provide this service to patrons- we were routinely asked for this before, and now we can say yes.  When someone's phone is out of juice, and they need to get things done, it can be pretty stressful.  My experience at Beaverton is that the majority (but not all) of the transactions around these devices are with our patrons experiencing homelessness.  If we are to lose one of our cords or the wall adapter at some point, well, the replacement cost is only $7-11 before shipping.  So low stakes.
Hope this is useful!
Christina Hanson
Adult Services Librarian
Beaverton City Library

On Thu, Dec 21, 2017 at 2:45 PM, Ted Smith <t.smith at newportlibrary.org<mailto:t.smith at newportlibrary.org>> wrote:
We have two charging stations: one near the reference desk/internet computers and one in the teen area.  They cost around $350 each.  We put a big sign next to them that says the library is not responsible for keeping watch over the flock.  Biggest problem is that patrons occasionally jerk their devices off the stations and break the small connectors on the end of the cord.  Since these are just USB cords, I take USB charging cords from the lost and found (thirty days or longer since they were turned in).  I take the charging station apart, unplug the old USB and plug in the new one.  People like them and we don’t have to do anything other than replace broken cords once in a while.

From: Libs-Or [mailto:libs-or-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us<mailto:libs-or-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us>] On Behalf Of Buzzy Nielsen
Sent: Thursday, December 21, 2017 9:29 AM
To: libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us<mailto:libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us>
Subject: [Libs-Or] Charging stations

We'd like to offer patrons options to charge their devices at the library when they forget their chargers, and we've been deliberating whether it makes more sense to get charging stations vs. letting people borrow chargers from the desk (no card required). Here are our observations so far.

  *   Based on the devices our patrons use, we likely only need Lightning, USB Type-C, and Micro-USB charging options.
  *   Charging stations are more expensive than buying several individual chargers.
  *   Checking out individual chargers is more work for staff and would require us to set up procedures.
  *   We'd have to find somewhere to store the chargers behind our service desk.
  *   Charging stations would limit people to a few locations whereas they could sit anywhere they want with individual chargers.
  *   People might be more inclined to use charging stations since they don't have to ask a staff member.
  *   Stationary charging stations may encourage people to leave their devices unattended, which has been an issue in our library and community.

We'd love to hear your thoughts. What have been your experiences?

Cheers!
Buzzy

*************************
Library Director
Crook County Library
175 NW Meadow Lakes Dr.
Prineville, OR 97754
bnielsen at crooklib.org<mailto:bnielsen at crooklib.org>
541-447-7978 x301<tel:(541)%20447-7978>

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