Yeongdeungpo-gu Expands Installation of 24-Hour Book Reservation, Loan, and Return Machines

Reserve in advance via library website/app, borrow after SMS confirmation... Up to 2 books for 21 days... E-books, audiobooks, e-journals available on library website... Full effort to create a reading-friendly Yeongdeungpo

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Yeongdeungpo-gu (District Mayor Chaehyunil) announced that it has expanded the installation of book reservation and lending/return kiosks that allow 24-hour non-face-to-face book lending.

The 'Book Reservation and Lending/Return Kiosk' is an IoT-based unmanned library service that allows users to reserve books for lending through the district library website or app and borrow or return books at any time 24 hours a day, regardless of the library's operating hours.

The district explained that it expanded the non-face-to-face book lending service to reduce the risk of infection from face-to-face work and to create an environment where local residents can easily access books nearby.

Following the installation of two book reservation and lending/return kiosks at Mullae Library and Yeouido Small Library last year, four additional kiosks were installed in May this year outside the buildings of Daerim and Seonyu Libraries, as well as Mullae-dong Mokhwa Village and Daerim 1-dong Small Library.

All the libraries where the new kiosks were installed are places frequently visited by many local residents to read books. The selection was made after considering various factors such as usage statistics for book lending and returns, user demand, and suitability for installation and operation of the devices.

The kiosk booths measure 1.3(W)×1.8(H)×0.5(D) meters and are constructed with 8mm tempered glass on the front and sides and stainless steel materials, which are characterized by low corrosion and high durability.

Additionally, contactless lending and returning are possible using web, mobile, and IoT technologies, allowing easy use with simple operations in open spaces.

The usage method is to apply for a book lending reservation through the library website. After confirming the availability of the book, a notification text message about the arrival of the reserved book is sent to the applicant.

After receiving the message, the book must be borrowed within 24 hours. Each person can borrow up to two books for a period of 21 days.

The unmanned library booths operate 24 hours a day on weekdays and weekends except holidays, and returns can also be made through the devices.

Meanwhile, the district library website offers more than 67,000 e-books and 820 audiobooks. In January, it launched an e-magazine service that allows readers to access about 200 domestic and international magazines via PC and mobile, receiving great response from readers.

Yeongdeungpo District Mayor Chaehyunil said, “Despite the impact of COVID-19, we will continue to expand non-face-to-face book lending services and online-based reading programs so that people can enjoy reading culture without interruption. We will work hard to create ‘Yeongdeungpo, a city of knowledge and culture’ where residents can conveniently access books anytime and anywhere nearby.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.