#90: Curbside service raises new barriers

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Your library may be one of many that is temporarily changing its service model to keep staff and patrons safe during the coronavirus public health crisis. If you are currently keeping patrons out of the library building and instead offering a drive-through holds pickup service, find a few minutes to make sure this new service is as accessible as possible. Things to consider:

  • Do you have a plan for serving patrons without cars who will need to bike up or walk up to the pickup point?

  • Have signs/instructions/marketing materials for this new service been created in all the languages used by your patrons?

  • If your plan involves patrons calling the library, do you have a system for people who are Deaf or who otherwise can’t communicate in a standard telephone call?

  • If you’re not providing this service during all of the library’s usual operating hours, do the hours of service include a variety of times so that those who work have more options for accessing it?