The ABC Card helps the library implement better business practice by establishing a cost-recovering system for expenses related to printing at the Library's over 1,000 public access computers. It also makes smart service sense, enabling the professional librarians to service patrons rather than manage computer schedules. In 2002, scheduling 1.6 million 30-minute slots for library users and handling printing needs took 135,000 hours of staff time, according to library IT Director, Selvon Smith. In terms of business expenses, the ABC Card is expected to eliminate $500,000 annually in paper and toner costs.
'Easier to do business with' is the buzz when it comes to service, and now that's as easy as the ABC Card. Library patrons can use the new card to reserve computer time, access BPL online reference databases as well as other new and innovative services. They can put monetary value on the card to print unlimited number of pages at $.15 for black and white and $1.00 for color and pay library fines. The library added a magnetic strip to its library card so users can now add cash value to their cards via a service center that accepts cash, credit and debits. The value is stored in a central database, so if patrons lose the card, they do not lose their cash.
"Brooklyn Public Library is continually working to develop ways to better serve library users," said Ginnie Cooper, BPL Executive Director. "The ABC Card allows us to do this both functionally and financially. It's convenient for library users and the automated computer reservation and print program will reduce equipment maintenance, paper waste and paper costs, as well as free library staff to spend more time addressing library users' reference inquiries. With this one card, we make life easier for everyone so that the library can continue to focus on providing high-quality services and programs."
To save money and solve those problems, the library partnered with Xerox to develop the Access Brooklyn Card program.
The ABC Card program is already operating in seven of the system's libraries, and will be rolled out to all BPL's 60 locations. All library locations will be outfitted with an automated PC print and reservation system that includes copiers.
The ABC Card program is designed to put access, and service, at the fingertips of library users while at the same time saving the library time and money. That equation is as simple as ABC.
