Rant: Our library tried a 'first come, first served' tool policy and it was a disaster

We switched to a simple online reservation system last spring and it solved 90% of our arguments. The old way meant the pressure washer was always 'checked out' but sitting in someone's garage for three weeks. Anyone else make a switch that actually fixed a major headache?

2 comments

2 Comments

piperf4127d ago

Ugh, I totally disagree... our neighborhood tried a reservation system and it was worse. People just book tools way in advance and then forget to pick them up, so they sit idle anyway. At least with first come, first served, if you see it on the shelf you know you can take it home right then. The online system just adds another layer of hassle for people who aren't good with computers. It feels less fair, not more.

baker.simon27d ago

Yeah, I saw a study that found no-shows are a huge problem with library-style lending too. The reservation system only works if there's a penalty for holding stuff you don't pick up. Otherwise you're right, it just makes things worse for everyone.