Bend Public Library in Bend, Oregon does it. (See photos.) Facebook does it for its employees. This service in public and university libraries offers convenience and alternatives for students and other patrons.
In a model where the university library is bound by policy or other agreements with the campus bookstore or wants to get away from handling cash, a vending machine is a perfect opportunity for collaboration. Patrons get flash drives, headsets, and other research related items at or near cost while the bookstore manages the machine and sells other highly desired items for profit. A portion of the machine might also offer advertising opportunities for the campus bookstore.
In an age of knowledge and information commons in libraries, offering this service seems like a win for everyone.
In a model where the university library is bound by policy or other agreements with the campus bookstore or wants to get away from handling cash, a vending machine is a perfect opportunity for collaboration. Patrons get flash drives, headsets, and other research related items at or near cost while the bookstore manages the machine and sells other highly desired items for profit. A portion of the machine might also offer advertising opportunities for the campus bookstore.
In an age of knowledge and information commons in libraries, offering this service seems like a win for everyone.
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