Library outlines tech upgrades, patron analytics pilot and LinkPlus effort

The Carlsbad Library’s quarterly technology update described upgrades to facilities and pilots intended to improve patron services and data collection.

Andrea Hilliard, principal librarian for digital initiatives and special projects, said the Shulman Auditorium closed July 1 for audio, video and lighting upgrades and is expected to reopen in early 2025. The library also plans phased installations of upgraded patron printers this fall to reduce impact on patrons using public computers.

Hilliard described a patron traffic analytics project now in vendor demonstration and vetting. The project team plans to pilot solutions at one library and one Parks & Recreation facility to gather more granular visitor counts and length-of-stay data to inform space planning.

Staff also reported progress on joining LinkPlus, a regional resource-sharing network. Hilliard said the city’s current ILS (SirsiDynix/Sierra/Xerces Dynix mentioned in the transcript) and the vendor’s upgrade schedule, together with the city’s strong privacy and security requirements, have been the primary integration hurdles; library staff are working with the vendor and will provide updates as projects proceed.

Trustees asked for data on no-cost patron printing and were told the information was not immediately available; Hilliard said in-house computer sessions increased about 20% year-over-year (from 9,021 to 10,801) and Wi-Fi sessions rose roughly 21% (from about 31,000 to 38,000) for the April–June comparison.

"We look forward to having more granular information about how patrons use our spaces," Hilliard said.

The board had no public speakers on the item.