From Service to Innovation
Once your library has Wi-Fi, computers, tablets, and eBooks in place, you’re ready to elevate your space into a true digital hub. In the previous blog, we talked about the basics of how to build digital services for your library. In the second part of our roadmap, we explore how to use library technology to create new experiences, engage more users, and expand your digital library services.
Let’s dive into the next stages.
Stage 3: Combine digital tools with library day-to-day activities
From bilingual storytimes in Cardiff streamed live on Facebook, to a digital community board in Norway helping locals connect with childcare, yoga, and language cafés, libraries are becoming digital town squares.
Make your digital library tools part of the experience, not just a service. Design interactive programs where tablets and other library technology enhance the activity.
9. Clubs And Community Activities
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- Host a nighttime reading event where kids follow stories on tablets under soft lighting.
- Organise a digital scavenger hunt where participants scan QR codes around the library to learn fun facts or find hidden clues.
- Share the livestream of the events to help more people enjoy these activities even if they can’t be there in person.
10. Digital Borrowing and Online Booking Tool
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- Use a vendor like Solus or Capira to offer catalogue access, renewals, event calendars, and digital borrowing.
- Add online booking (e.g, Helsinki booking system) or study rooms, meeting spaces, or maker tools by using free tools (e.g., Calendly) or integrated systems like LibCal.
- Include push notifications to patrons’ emails for due date reminders or new events.
11. Host Virtual Events
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- Use Zoom, YouTube Live, or Facebook to host online book clubs, author talks, or how-to sessions.
- Record and archive events for later access.
- Send post-event surveys to understand what patrons value most.
Read: How Lahti City Library gamified learning with Hublet Tablets
Students are using Hublet Tablets for Scavenger Hunt game in the Lahti City Library
Stage 4: Go Big with Advanced Library Technology
When a Danish teen created his own podcast at his local Library digital lab, he didn’t just find a new hobby—he found his voice. Digital tools can open creative doors.
At this stage, you already have the technology and a community benefiting from your digital offering. Now it’s time to go one step further and inspire them with an advanced digital library hub.
Here are some creative ideas to help your patrons take the next step with digital tools.
12. Makerspaces & Digital Labs
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- Start small with a 3D printer, podcast mic, or a photo editing suite. Set up booking rules to manage usage.
- Collaborate with local schools or art groups to build usage and community involvement.
- Use self-service tablets as digital user guides for your makerspace. Tablets can walk users through how to use equipment, or even run beginner coding or robot-building apps for hands-on learning.
13. Lend More Than Books
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- Offer take-home tech like Wi-Fi hotspots and tablets. Include clear instructions and checklists.
- Set up self-service lending stations for tablets
- Provide gaming areas with multiple game consoles, such as PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox X, etc. or VR stations and allow your patrons to book time to play.
14. Interactive Screens
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- Use tablets or smartboards for story time, digital drawing, or workshops. Choose large screens with touch capability.
- Create a rotating schedule: morning children’s time, afternoon adult workshops.
- Store interactive lesson files for quick setup.
15. Accessibility Tech
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- Add screen readers (e.g., NVDA), text enlargers, hearing loops, braille keyboards and accessible furniture.
- Host digital inclusion workshops for people with disabilities.
- Use tablet applications to help family members and staff in learning sign language or braille.
“We wouldn’t be able to run our most popular kids’ club without the Hublet Tablets.”
Tilly, Library Assistant, Crewe Library
Read: Enhanced digital access with Hublet library tablets at Crewe Library
Final Thoughts: Start Small, Dream Big
Whether you're just introducing Wi-Fi or launching a full makerspace, every step forward helps shape a more accessible and vibrant digital library. This roadmap is built to support your journey into library technology—not just as tools, but as services that meet your community where they are.
Start with one step. Wi-Fi. A shared tablet. A drop-in tech class. Then listen to your community and grow from there.
The future of libraries is digital, but always human at heart. And your journey starts now.
📌 Missed the first part? Go back to Part 1: Build Your Digital Foundation to get started with the essentials.
Want to see how other libraries are using shared tablets for digital access? Explore real stories and ideas at gethublet.com.
Because when we make technology simple, we make inclusion possible—for everyone.
