In Part 1, we looked at how libraries are expanding their physical footprint with satellite locations and unstaffed or 24/7 service points. But library services don’t just stay in one place, and neither does Meescan.
Let’s look at how Meescan helps libraries bring self-checkout to mobile units, specialized spaces, and even retirement communities, providing better experiences to the community.
Specialized and non-traditional libraries
Libraries aren’t only found in academic and public spaces. Meescan supports a wide range of environments like corporate offices, legal libraries, and more, all of which have unique workflows, staffing models and accessibility needs.
Pennswood Village
Guided by the Quaker principles and traditions, Pennswood Village is a caring retirement community where residents and staff rely on their library for connection and enrichment. Maintained by dedicated resident volunteers, their library offers books, audiobooks, CDs, and DVDs, and now, Meescan self-checkout too.
The kiosks and mobile app have enabled 24/7 and unstaffed borrowing workflows, giving residents the freedom to use the library on their schedule.
Last month, our team had the joy of visiting the Village. One highlight? Guiding a new resident during their first library visit and discovering Pennswood’s special collection of nearly 130 books written by residents themselves. This is what library access is all about: bringing people together with convenience, care, and flexibility.
Mobile libraries and outreach services
Meescan On-The-Go offers compact kiosks and mobile app features using Bluetooth geolocation, portable, flexible, and powerful. Perfect for bookmobiles, school visits, and community events, we make self-checkout portable and easy to deploy without complex setup or cabling, available anywhere your outreach team goes.
No matter which setup you choose, you’ll get a powerful yet portable service without compromising on features. We offer maximum flexibility and a minimum footprint.
Coquitlam Public Library
In the dynamic city of Coquitlam, the Coquitlam Public Library’s Library Link brings books, movies, video games, and more to locations all over the city. Designed to bring library services directly to the community, the Link operates six days a week, stopping at parks, community centres, and schools.
With Meescan, including both a kiosk on the bus and the mobile app, they’ve made borrowing easy and enjoyable. Patrons can check out materials directly on the spot, and if they don’t find what they need, they can place a hold and pick it up from the Link later.
It’s a smaller, and literally moving, version of a library branch that brings access closer to home. Curious how they’ve expanded self-checkout to the wheels? Take a look here to see it in action.
Study lounges and departmental libraries
Meescan kiosks offer a complete borrowing service in small locations without the need for full-time staff. By placing our kiosks in student lounges, study areas and department-specific spaces, you can make access more convenient for your patrons. Even in micro-locations that don’t require full-time staff, you can still offer a full-service experience.It’s a perfect solution for course reserves, high-demand items, or decentralized collections.
Temple University
At Temple University’s Charles Library, the Hirsch Children’s Literature and Curriculum Collection is tucked into a quiet corner on the fourth floor, right next to faculty and graduate study lounges. While Temple is a major research institution, this collection includes over 2,000 children’s titles to support a city where many public schools can be overcrowded, and library access is limited.
Pairing this collection with a Meescan kiosk would make borrowing even easier. Student teachers could browse, grab what they needed, and check out materials independently, without needing to head to the main desk. It’s a simple way to support learning, especially during off-hours or busy study days.
Why it matters
Every library is different. From mobile outreach to academic study spaces to retirement communities, Meescan is designed to meet libraries where they are, and help them meet patrons where they are.
Whether you’re opening an unstaffed branch, lending books from a bus, or offering after-hours access to course materials, Meescan keeps your borrowing experience simple, smooth, and scalable.
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