Check Me Out! Collection
Dayton Metro Library, Ohio
Innovation Synopsis
Dayton Metro Library is in the midst of a system-wide construction plan, introducing 17 new or renovated facilities to the county. The "Check Me Out! Collection" incentivizes visits to the newly opened branches by ensuring that the newest, most requested books, movies and CDs are available to walk-in patrons.
Challenge/Opportunity
DML is pleased to offer excellent new facilities to our patrons. It is imperative that the most popular, in-demand materials fill the shelves when new patrons visit. Not finding popular titles would frustrate patrons and further the misconception that libraries don’t provide the newest, most popular materials. The popular books, CDs and DVDs of the "Check Me Out! Collection" fill the shelves of the new libraries and are only available to walk-in visitors.
Key Elements of Innovation
The "Check Me Out! Collection" includes multiple copies of popular materials for all ages. It is designated specifically for each newly-opened branch for the first six months after opening. The "Check Me Out! Collection" is not included in the floating collection and titles earmarked for the new branches cannot be placed on hold. The collection is meant to encourage in-person visits so that patrons will find the books or movies they most want.
Achieved Outcomes
The "Check Me Out! Collection" was created as a way to both reward library patrons who visit their new branch library in its first months and also demonstrate that DML provides popular, relevant materials for all ages. Dedicating these popular materials to in-branch check out only has created a sense of excitement when patrons visit, and it further connects patrons to their new Libraries in innovative ways.