Tuesday 4 June 2019 12:37pm
Library Client Services Manager Helen Brett with one of two new wayfinding kiosks which have been installed in the University's Central Library. Photo: Sharron Bennett.
Interactive wayfinding kiosks have been installed in the University’s Central Library, offering virtual tours of the library as well as information about facilities such as group study room bookings and locations.
The two freestanding navigational tools, located adjacent to the Library entrances, incorporate 55 inch screens and 3D, 360-degree technology.
"The kiosks support the visual location of our services and facilities, as well as provide immediate online connection to them."
Library Client Services Manager Helen Brett says they wanted to offer a unique solution to students following feedback which suggested the Central Library is confusing to navigate.
“Given there are over 2,000 study spaces in the Central Library, wayfinding can present challenges to new and current Library users,” she says. “The kiosks support the visual location of our services and facilities, as well as provide immediate online connection to them. The virtual tours will eventually be available online to an even wider audience.”
She adds that the Central Library group study rooms are one of the University’s most popular and heavily used student-focused services, so eliminating barriers to student access to the rooms by including booking options at the wayfinding kiosks was a key priority.
The cutting-edge, highly practical kiosks were developed over nearly five years in collaboration with the Dunedin marketing and development company, Punch Marketing.
The kiosks were installed shortly after Easter and feedback has been positive.
“The Library already makes significant use of online directional and information services and resources to support our staff and students, as well as the more traditional physical collections and signage. This digital technology complements the range of services on offer and connects the physical with the online Library presence.”