FEATURED LIBRARY
Since its opening just a few months ago, the Gabriel García Márquez Library in Barcelona, Spain, has been an inspiring example of how technology can elevate the patron experience and allow libraries to function as vital community hubs.
Using library technology to create a Third Place
The Gabriel García Márquez Library was created to be so much more than a book repository. Instead, the library was designed to be a community “third place” — a space outside of work and home where people can study, work, and come together to connect.
The dynamic library is focused on promoting activities, experiences, and interactions that build community while inspiring life-long learning.
To create such a space, the library turned to technology to reduce manual administrative tasks and free the staff for more valuable interactions. Working with Bibliotheca and its IdCare partners, the library implemented a full range of automated solutions, including selfCheck self-service kiosks, RFID workstations, an automated materials handler and sorter (flex AMH), and premium RFID security gates.
“We designed Gabriel García Márquez Library to be a modern, relevant library,” says Neus Castellano, Library Director. “Offering patrons an autonomous self-service experience was critical.”
Automated library technology allows the library to provide better, more personalized service and makes routine tasks such as lending and room reservations more efficient.
“Library technology allows me to offer quality time to our patrons,” says Rebecca M. Retuerto, Librarian. “By automating lending and returns with the selfChecks and flex AMH, I can dedicate more time to personalized services such as specialized searches and consultations.”
Recognized for excellence
Thanks to Bibliotheca’s technological solutions, the Gabriel García Márquez Library has become a model for innovation and excellence in Spain. In just the first four months, the library has become one of the most visited in Barcelona and has been recognized for its high-quality services and support.
“We were serving up to 1,300 people a day in the first two months,” says Castellano. “This is truly a sought-after library.”
Learn more
If you’d like to learn more about the solutions Gabriel García Márquez Library is using, contact us here. We’d love to talk with you about how we can help your library improve its user experience and become a community third place.
To learn more about the Gabriel García Márquez Library, watch this short video.
By automating lending and returns with the selfChecks and flex AMH, I can dedicate more time to personalized services such as specialized searches and consultations.”
We designed Gabriel García Márquez Library to be a modern, relevant library, offering patrons an autonomous self-service experience was critical.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Blogs and Trends
Access abounds in Australia: Blue Mountains Library
Discover how Blue Mountains Library in Australia transformed its services with RFID technology, connecting remote communities and enhancing access to essential resources during disasters.
Where are they now? Gwinnett County Public Library: Magnifying access with open+
Open Access gives self- service access to the library outside of normal operating hours
Summit County Library: Bringing the library to rural residents with remoteLocker
Summit County Public Library became the first in Utah to install a remoteLocker, providing convenient library access for rural residents. Located in a park in a remote town, this locker expands community services and makes borrowing easier for all.