As the population of Norman, OK has continued to grow, it’s need for library services has also grown beyond its single, central library. An opportunity to add a small branch within the new PLS Administration Building on the west side of the city created a challenge to provide an additional library service outlet on the east side without adding facilities or increasing personnel. The environments of each area were different -between a high traffic/high library use area and a retail/low library use area. The opportunity for an automated library presented itself at a library conference with Envisionware’s 24HR Library, a product used in China that was being refined for North American use.

As the product was still in development, Pioneer Library System had time to work with the vendor to refine it for American library use (such as adding larger shelves for thicker books or adding scripting for other library service options like retrieving holds). Once convinced that the new technology might be the answer to providing basic services to the east side, PLS partnered with the Norman Public Schools and the City of Norman for location and placement decisions. Land that adjoined one of NPS’ middle schools and that was in front of a community center was selected. Cooperation was also solicited with the City of Norman for site preparation including electrical installation and building of the concrete pad to place the machine and its canopy.

• Because it was the first North American installation, the 24HR Library brought high visibility for the library and the community.
• As a state-wide finalist for the Journal Record Innovator of the Year award, it achieved state-wide recognition for public libraries, promoting their continuing relevance.
• The collaboration engaged the collective community in discussion of future east side branch and new central libraries in Norman.
• The 24HR Library increased the use by east side residents for library services Lessons learned – the value of project management, engagement with community partners, and the benefit of vendor relationships.

These lessons have been shared with other public libraries as they implement 24HR libraries in their communities.