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G2S Project Code: 2021-WI-90865
State: Wisconsin
Fiscal Year: 2021
Grantee
MILWAUKEE COUNTY FEDERATED LIBRARY SYSTEM

Project Director
Director Name: Steven Heser
Director Phone: 414-286-8149
Director Email: steve.heser@mcfls.org
General Information
Title: ARPA: MCFLS/Bridges External Smart Lockers Project
State Project Code: 2023 - 409933 - DPI - ARPALSTA - 343
Start Date: 07/01/2021
End Date: 12/30/2022
Abstract: MCFLS and the Bridges Library Systems purchased external, automated lockers for pickup of held materials at participating libraries.   MCFLS purchased eight (8) 17 drawer Smiota Smart Lockers at a cost of $9,903 (including shipping) a piece, plus one year maintenance at $816 per locker unit.  The external lockers provide a safe, secure and contactless method for patrons with health issues or limited time to make use of their public library at any time.  The lockers met an immediate need for contactless service that ensures safety for patrons and staff, but also demonstrated that libraries have adapted to meet the demands and expectations of their communities in a post-pandemic world.
State Goal: Community Engagement
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$90,952.00
$0.00
$0.00
$90,952.00
Intent(s)
Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.
Buildings & Facilities
Systems & Technologies
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Purchase and implementation of (8) 17-drawer Smiota Smart Lockers for libraries in the Milwaukee County Federated and Bridges Library Systems
Narrative: The initial activity related to the grant involved making connections between Smiota staff and the eight libraries that were part of the grant.  MIlwaukee County Federated Library System (MCFLS) staff arranged meetings both internally and with Smiota to make sure information was shared.  The purchase of the lockers was made in Fall of 2022 and MCFLS staff arranged one-on-one meetings with libraries and Smiota to make sure delivery and implementation was successful.  MCFLS staff also made arrangements to allow minimal patron data to be shared with Smiota to allow the process of notifying patrons to be successful as well.
Intent: Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.

Activity: Procurement
Mode:
Format:


Quantity
Number of equipment acquired: 8
Number of acquired equipment used: 8
Number of hardware items acquired: 0
Number of acquired hardware items used: 0
Number of software items acquired: 0
Number of acquired software items used: 0
Number of materials/supplies acquired: 0
Number of acquired materials/supplies used: 0


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 8
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Activity Details
Title: Workflows and software development to support (8) 17-drawer Smiota Smart Lockers for libraries in the Milwaukee County Federated and Bridges Library Systems
Narrative: Workflows were developed initially by the Shorewood Public Library (led by Emily Vieyra) and MCFLS staff made significant changes to software parameters in order to allow patrons to select lockers as their pickup location both within the browser interface and mobile app.  As of this writing, the process has worked well and consistent use of the lockers is in place.
Intent: Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Combined in-person & virtual


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 0
Number of sessions in program: 8
Average number in attendance per session: 0
Number of times program administered: 2


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 8
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
We’ve had some time with the lockers and overall the impact on the communities have been very positive. Libraries have embraced the lockers as another service option and view them as easy to work with and use, while patrons are beginning to see them as another option, particularly those whose work schedules do not align with library hours or have underlying health issues that prevent them from entering the library.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
System staff members view these eight lockers as a proof of concept that would allow other libraries to easily join in and use lockers as a service option. Milwaukee Public Library in particular was excited to see if the materials lockers could be used to provide service to underserved populations that have difficulty getting to and from the library.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
For others wanting to adopt this project, we would advise finding a vendor that has worked with libraries and understands their needs. The Smiota hardware was excellent and works well, but we had significant issues reaching the vendor for assistance in some cases. The vendor might be better equipped now, but asking them to serve eight different libraries might have been too much of an ask.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
No
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: