3 Benefits of Using ESL in Libraries

“Bad libraries build collections, good libraries build services, great libraries build communities.”

– R. David Lankes

Old-school, physical libraries may seem irrelevant nowadays because of the availability of Internet access in most households and to anyone who has a smartphone. However, not every piece of information is available on the Internet, and some research studies need to be done in physical libraries.

Hence, libraries are not entirely out of trend. Libraries must be constantly updated and upgraded to serve the community better in a fast-paced era. And the invention of computer software that digitized the Dewey Decimal system and the library archive is just the first step: the next is deploying electronic shelf labels across the library.

Most ESL devices like SOLUM’s Newton labels are manageable through a software system where the labels can be controlled and monitored in one central server. For Newton labels, it Aims Solution. Serving as the backbone of Newton, the Aims software can be easily integrated into third-party inventory management systems, allowing for seamless implementation of ESL display updates.

With ESL integrated with Aims, librarians can easily update shelf labels without spending extensive time and effort manually replacing all paper labels on every shelf of the whole library.

Newton labels come with 2 programmable buttons that can be customized so visitors can press them to call library staff for help. This user interaction feature saves time as visitors no longer need to look for a librarian or library staff when they need assistance. The button can send an alert to the staff, and the staff can go to the shelf where the alert is coming from.

The buttons can also be programmed to navigate from one page to another to read other information displayed, giving visitors a very interactive experience.

ESL can display more information with their 7-page display function, unlike paper shelf labels. With this function, libraries can use the primary page to show the actual shelf label details while using the other pages to display additional information. For example, the other pages can be dedicated to showcasing recommended reading for the month or newly arrived books.

With technology like electronic shelf labels, libraries have a better chance of pleasing the visitors and keeping the librarians on top of their game.

Do you think it’s time for your library to turn a new page and adapt to technology? If your answer is yes, contact us today!