Wellesley Free Library

Alfred, Andrea, Anna, Jasmine, Surbhit

Background➔ Library network in Wellesley was founded in 1928➔ The Free Library was purpose built in 2003➔ Largest library in Wellesley, two other branches- Hills

and Fells➔ Part of Minuteman Library Network➔ Provides access to 11,850 electronic journals, magazines

and newspapers➔ Over 371,000 visits yearly ➔ 593 general interest programs and computer classes➔ Supported by tax money, private donations, and

volunteer hours

Wellesley Demographics

“What is the value of libraries? Through lifelong learning, libraries can and do change lives, a point that cannot be overstated.” - Michael Gorman

Our Visit to the Library

Discussion with Employees● Trying to implement

technology across the library

○ iPads for kids’ room○ Online databases○ Website relaunch

● People want access not ownership (DVD collection is becoming less physical, more online)

● Library has to keep up with the tech world around it

Key Takeaways● There’s a generation

gap● Everything related to

technology is relevant● People don’t realize they

have free things available for them

● Rethinking the tradition of a library - may need to start something new

MissionTo increase community engagement and library attendance, specifically focusing on the needs of individuals aged 13-30

LIBRARY INNOVATION PROCESS

Space Redesign

IT Solutions

Increased Engagement

Study and Proposal

Third Space

Observational Research

Starbucks Prefer active and dynamic environments

Food and drink options encourage people to stay for longer periods of time

Varied seating/working options enable customized workspace

CafeNationSound preferred by younger crowd-music or conversation

Varied colors and woodtones provide more interesting environment

Individuals are drawn to light - both internal and external

Wellesley LibrarySterile and quiet environment

Defined by traditional expectations for library etiquette

Technology isolated to designated spaces

Focus on physical knowledge sources

Open and expansive leads to desolate feel

Workspace ChangesHow can we better utilize the

library to fit needs of the modern user?

➜ Food/Beverage

➜ Themed spaces catering to certain demographics

➜ Expanded services with monetization features

➜ Stress importance of congregation

Social Media

SOCIAL MEDIA IMPACT

●“Generation Gap”

●Existing following

●“Feeding” vs. Engaging audiences

SUGGESTIONS:

1.Hire a volunteer social media manager.

2.Create interactive content to meaningfully engage audience.

3.Use social media tools. (Ex: Hootsuite)

790 (likes)

1,145

236 236

ONLINE LIBRARY RESOURCES

●Website not user-friendly

●Not efficient with space on the desktop (cluttered), not many photos

●Mission unclear at first glance

SUGGESTIONS:

1.Content is key, but design matters too.

○Design contest for design students

(WordPress, Webydo, SquareSpace)

2.Identify the main features of the site. Highlight those while making the rest easily accessible.

Place your screenshot here

Volunteer Engagement

➜ Current deficiencies: Limited access Inflexible scheduling Inefficient management

➜ Solution Comprehensive volunteer management system

Volunteer Engagement

Better Impact

Recruitment Scheduling Communication

The Mobile

App

Mobile Payments.

Mobile Application

Simplified Check-In

Interconnectivity with community and events

More advanced usage analytics

Live User Ratings

APP PROJECTWe want to build an app that is not only useful to the Wellesley Free Library users, but also the community.

Smartphone users only have on average 6 apps on their phones - vital to provide most value to ensure use and engagement

How it benefits the library?Gives library access to personal information

Our GoalTo remind that people see the real NEED in downloading this app.

Options for Renting

Revenue Stream off the App

Place your screenshot here

Place your screenshot here

Key Aspects of Mobile Application

Books, Films & Scholastic

Separated by:➜ Age Group➜ Genre➜ # of days

available to rent

Ebooks

Separated by:➜ Age Group➜ Genre➜ # of days

available to rent➜ Option to

Print/Digital

Rent a Room

➜ Fee: $25-50➜ Cancellation fee

prior 24hrs

Recommendations

➜ Recommend books based on your interest

Connect with Friends

➜ Recommend each other books, etc.

➜ see what your friends are reading->potential discussionsReminders

➜ Checkout item past due

Community Involvement➜ Keeps you updated on

the communities event in the town->connecting you to your FB account

➜ The app will notify you on the town news

➜ Cancellation of School due to Snow or any further reasons

➜ Voting➜ Shopping Sales

Mobile Payment➜ Payment options

Debit/Credit Card Apple/Android Pay Paypal

➜ Benefits Trusted mediator Facilitates easy completion Multiple payment options Attractive to youthful, tech savvy

➜ Risks Data security and encryption Payment not going through Server down error

Cost Estimates

Low Average High

Third Space $300,000 $750,000 $1,700,000

Social Media $0 $30/wk $100/wk

Volunteer $415/yr $480/yr $570/yr

Website $5,000 $50,000 $250,000

Mobile App $50,000 $172,000 $500,000

Impact After Implementation

07/01/14-30/06/15

07/01/16-30/06/17

07/01/17-30/06/18

07/01/18-30/06/19

Avg. people of all ages walking through the Doors 371,568

378,256390,146

387,334421,357

398,954463,493

Number of Items that were Checked out or Renewed 743,337

756,717780,503

774,878842,944

798,124927,238

Number of People attended the Programs and Computer Classes 7,233

7,3637,594

7,5398,201

7,7669,021

Customer Satisfaction - in person, by phone, or through email 110,256

112,240115,768

114,933125,029

118,382137,532

Note: Numbers in white are calculated by the industry average growth rate; Numbers in red are calculated by the projected growth rate

Whoa! That’s a big number...what a change!

Comprehensive Ecosystem

Website SpaceSocial Media Application

Thanks!Questions?

Reference Slides for Application Development Projections