The residents of Clovis use library services heavily and frequently, yet there is only one library branch, in a building that opened in 1976. Since the building opened, Clovis’ population has skyrocketed, along with demand for library resources. A solution needed to be found to provide more access to Fresno County Public Library (FCPL) materials. The opportunity and challenge was to expand access to library materials. The best, newest, and quickest solution was to purchase and install a self-serve vending unit. A vending unit would provide better hours, at a location more accessible to the public than a conventional library, in addition to raising visibility of library services. One big challenge that was encountered was how to make the necessary arrangements to install a vending unit in an indoor shopping area. FCPL held talks with the management company of Sierra Vista Mall to secure a location and to agree to terms of leasing a space, in addition to finalizing installation details.

The self-service delivery method is the innovation for the Sierra Vista Library, expanding access to library resources in Clovis while FCPL is exploring new branch library options. Members of the FCPL administration attended the ALA Annual Conference in July, 2011 and saw Envisionware’s library vending units on exhibit. Recognizing the potential for a self-service location to expand access in Clovis, FCPL started the process of purchasing and installing a library vending unit. The unit was added to the 2012-13 fiscal budget year. A location was found at Sierra Vista Mall which presented a critical step of innovation in itself. FCPL then had to navigate and bridge the gap between a public entity and private enterprise. One critical step was overcoming internal challenges of working with multiple county departments and educating them on the value of a new library service model. FCPL had to reconcile the needs of all entities; the mall, the vendor, and County of Fresno, to come to an agreement on how a library service can exist and function in a retail space as well as to plan installation. The Library wanted to place the unit in a very visible location with high traffic and easily accessible. The Sierra Vista Mall met all requirements. Placing the unit in a commercial retail location presented the Library with several new challenges including best placement in the mall, addressing retail and County specifications, and possible risk management concerns from delivery. This opportunity allowed the Library to educate mall management and internal departments on library operations and afforded all involved parties to find common benefits

The Sierra Vista Library did have a delayed installation due to delivery issues. Once the unit was en route, it was successfully installed on March 17, 2014. The Sierra Vista Library had a soft launch on April 2, 2014 and is currently available to Clovis residents and all FCPL cardholders. There are three anticipated outcomes for the opening of the Sierra Vista Library. The first outcome is that library use in Clovis will increase. The second is that the use of the kiosk will determine if this is a sustainable service model for future access to library materials. The third is that the Sierra Vista Library will improve public perception and visibility of Fresno County Public Library services.