Broward County Library (BCL) constantly strives to provide customers with new and innovative methods to utilize the library’s resources and services and to increase circulation of library materials. Today’s customer is used to services on demand and on the go. The installation of these kiosks are part of the Library’s “BCL WoW – Without Walls” initiative and offer library users a way to quickly and easily access materials including eBooks, movies and audiobooks without visiting a brick-and-mortar library. They also raise awareness of BCL and function as a free advertising/promotional tool.

The freestanding BCL WoW digital media kiosks were installed in September 2015 after months of testing and development. Library staff partnered with staff at other county agencies to find two high-traffic, high-visibility locations for the kiosks and it was determined that the Judicial Complex’s jury waiting room and the Governmental Center lobby would be ideal. The kiosks allow BCL cardholders to download eBooks and audiobooks for children, teens and adults, as well as movies. Users can browse the collection of titles by subject or language and then download them to their tablet, phone or other reading device.

Both of the BCL WoW digital media kiosks have been well received. Although the technology is not currently available to measure how many downloads each kiosk receives, anecdotal evidence in the form of customer and staff comments shows that both kiosks are popular. The kiosk located in the Judicial Complex waiting room has received the most positive feedback as it provides free entertainment in an area where prospective jurors must wait, sometimes for long periods. The kiosks have received coverage in online and print publications produced by Broward County.