Increasingly, the academic library is seen as a hub for a range of student resources and services. When it comes to showcasing these resources and improving access, online booking software makes all the difference.
It allows students to see what’s available, and reserve what they need. Students are encouraged to get more out of student services, while taking the administration burden away from staff. And it allows you to see what’s in demand for future resourcing and purchase decisions.
Students can book the rooms they need without staff assistance through the connect2 online system. Length and number of bookings are easy to control, ensuring fair access to rooms for all. For reservations no longer needed, students can easily reschedule or cancel their bookings online.
They can even free up a room for another booking if they vacate a room earlier than expected. Room usage can be tracked and reported on, for better understanding of space utilisation by the institution. Read about connect2 for room bookings.
With PCs in the LRC in such high demand, managing fair access can be challenging. Netloan booking system software automates session control, giving staff complete control over PC usage.
Students are able to book online to secure their sessions, or be supported in finding an available PC on arrival in the LRC. All usage is recorded and tracked, for better communication and reporting. Find out more about the netloan PC booking solution.
For libraries with media and hardware checkout desks, a specialised booking system does a lot more than simply record equipment loans by borrower. Connect2 ensures that users can reserve and checkout only those items that they are authorised to borrow. The system can be configured so that items in high demand have shorter borrowing availability, supporting fair access. Communications and reporting are all automated. And penalties for late returns are easily managed in the same system. Read more about how the connect2 equipment booking software solution supports student access to resources and ensures an efficient media store operation.
According to Lorensbergs research as many as 75% of LRCs continue to invest in more PCs. A study carried out by Loughborough and York universities estimates 60-90% of PC time is used for academic work, while other devices are used for this purpose only 20% of the time…
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Team Leader,
Learning Resources Mid Cheshire College
The provision of statistics from netloan has helped to inform management decisions about centre opening and staffing requirements. Both staff and students enjoy the flexibility it offers in terms of accessing bookings and helping plan for both group and individual sessions.
Education Support Manager,
Imperial College London
Connect2 cuts down on the admin for workshops - we don't have to worry about managing bookings or sending out reminders. It makes life a lot simpler. It's efficient and saves us hassle.
The Lorensbergs team are ready to answer your questions and provide you with additional information.
For academic libraries, netloan PC booking supports a productive learning environment, with the netloan queue module distributing users evenly throughout the building. This recent enhancement ensures that students are better supported in remaining on task, by reducing the likelihood of groups forming around PC usage within the LRC.
