FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

open+ puts all the control at your fingertips with a central administration system to ensure that your library runs smoothly when staff are not present. From one place, open+ can control your library system, door access, security gates, building lights, audio announcements, public access computers, self-service kiosks, cameras, and security alarms. It is more than just technology and components, it’s the entire system that unifies all these technological components and helps you securely run your library when your staff is not present.

No. open+ is a solution that adds to the current opening hours and is therefore complementing the core hours provided by the staff. open+ also allows libraries to rebalance staff, reallocating them to areas needing special focus, including other branches or outreach programs. This increased flexibility of staffing allows the library to maintain the same number of staff but be responsive to evolving community needs ensuring that access to the library is not compromised.

There is no one size fits all when it comes to the concept of becoming “more open”. Many libraries operate differently and the open+ solution is flexible enough to accommodate all different library service models and needs. However, this solution is ideal for small to medium sized public libraries based on the need for flexible and consistent open hours to better serve their community.

Yes. We provide thorough training, to ensure that the system can be easily managed by your staff. We train them to easily administer all aspects of the library’s additional hours from one location.

Among the 500+ libraries that have implemented open+ in the last 12 years we had remarkably low incidents of damage or vandalism. To safeguard against this, libraries who implement open+ often require patrons to sign up to the service and are asked to sign an agreement with the rules and regulations of its use. We have found that the increased visibility of security cameras serves as a powerful deterrent and that opening the library to the users empowers a true community feeling, with everyone wanting to take care of the library.

There have been no instances of users being put at additional risk when the library is managed by the open+ system. Users can feel safe in the knowledge that only approved library users can gain access to the building, and that the whole building is monitored via security cameras. The more users embrace open+, the more welcoming the library becomes.

Before you get started, it is crucial to have all your patrons interested in this service understand the rules and policies around extended access and sign an agreement. This guarantees the security of the patrons and the library. Libraries typically do not experience issues with insurance when they have this type of documented agreement.

Patrons are made aware of how to use the library during unstaffed hours as part of their orientation for this new service. It's essential that the entire library team is involved in designing the unstaffed hours process so they can contribute to devising something that works for their community. We also recommend libraries put up additional signage indicating the library's staffed and unstaffed hours.

Part of the implementation includes creating accounts for first responders, including police, ambulance and fire departments so they can quickly gain access to the property. Some libraries have also installed phones that can call instantly to 911 or connect to library staff at a central location. Additionally, we advise putting up posters and signs telling patrons what to do in case of an emergency.

It depends on the users and the location of your library. It is occasionally advised to hire security personnel for evening hours.

Yes. The system records all event activity and management information for statistical reporting. Reports can be configured so that they are as detailed as you need them to be. This allows libraries to determine the most popular times for extended access. Based on the integration with specific ILS vendors, additional reports such as demographics and zip code can also be provided to give greater understanding to who is using the library.