The challenge
Libraries have extended digital access, but physical materials still depend on a staffed circulation desk. Holds wait on shelves for patrons who cannot come during open hours, pickup windows expire and items are returned to circulation unclaimed. Staff spend time retrieving and handing over holds rather than helping with research.
Limited pickup hours
Patrons can collect holds only while the desk is staffed.
Expired holds
Items go back to circulation before patrons can collect.
Routine staff handoffs
Staff time goes into retrieval instead of research support.
If nothing changes: Unclaimed holds waste acquisition and processing effort, and patrons with busy schedules lose access to materials.
Make library holds available whenever patrons can collect
Signifi smart lockers placed inside or outside the library let staff load holds and course materials, and patrons receive a notification to collect with their ID or a code at any hour. Outdoor units enable true 24/7 access, and SignifiVISION tracks each item from loading to pickup.
How it works
Staff load holds
Reserved items are placed into locker compartments.
Patron is notified
A pickup notification is sent automatically.
Pickup at any hour
The patron collects with a campus ID or code.
Capabilities that matter here
- ID and code authentication
- Notifications
- Outdoor retrofit kit
- Deposit-to-pickup tracking
Works with your systems
- Library management systems
- Campus ID via API
What changes
- Holds collected outside staffed hours
- Fewer expired, unclaimed holds
- Staff time returned to patron support
Explore the Smart Lockers or see how Signifi serves higher education teams.
Common questions
Can library lockers be placed outside the building?
Yes. Signifi lockers can be converted to outdoor use with a retrofit kit, allowing pickup even when the building is closed.
Do patrons use their library or campus card?
Signifi lockers support RFID card, PIN, QR and biometric authentication, so compatible library or campus cards can be used.
Can lockers integrate with our library system?
Signifi's API library supports custom integrations, so holds status and notifications can connect to library management systems. Scope is defined during deployment.
Extend library pickup hours
Tell us your locations, headcount and systems. We'll map the right hardware and integrations.