open+ is a comprehensive system that allows libraries to provide more flexible hours, making them more accessible to the community. Designed to complement staffed library hours, open+ can be implemented in a number of different ways to meet various library service models. From extending access to an entire library or only a section of it, providing full self-service resources or mainly a holds pick-up area, open+ allows libraries the flexibility to extend access in the way that best meets the needs of their community and space. There is no one size fits all approach with this technology. Adding more open hours in the mornings or evenings can create a consistent and convenient schedule for your community and meet the needs of different users. Currently averaging 52.8 open hours per week, US public libraries have a way to go before they approach 2008’s high mark of nearly 60 hours, according to Library Journal1. open+ allows libraries to easily increase their hours to provide the most convenient access to their community without a large need for increased staffing cost.
