Pilot Projects
Pilot Project Community Guidelines
- Be adventurous. Don’t be afraid. If you believe in it, we want to hear it!
- Be respectful of other ideas. Positively approach ways to make the project stronger.
- Be professional. Every post you make should reflect your professionalism -- remember you represent your department, library, and colleagues.
- Be creative. Pilot projects will be fresh and innovative, and most likely risky. Helping us better fulfill our mission.
- Remember: none of us is as smart as all of us. Like, comment, encourage and engage with these ideas.
Read about Library Unbound and the Pilot Projects for more information
Filter Submitted Pilot Projects
Project | Environment | Estimated Costs |
---|---|---|
Study roomsDivide quiet reading room up and add study areas |
Library | $18,000.00 |
Memory LabCreate a digital lab which would enable members to digitally preserve their personal and family histories |
Library | $12,000.00 |
Open Oklahoma CountyCreate an open data hub/portal for Oklahoma County and the library system's constituent cities |
Virtual | $0.00 |
Embedded Librarians in Healthcare FacilitiesInterReach to area health care facilities would help people maximize their library memberships by receiving reference assistance at their point of need. |
Extra-Library | $0.00 |
Mobile Pop-Up LibraryThis project would provide all libraries access to a vehicle, designed to hold a small collection of materials and a wifi “hotspot”; available for community events and have Carl Connect capabilities to issue cards and check out materials. |
Extra-Library | $0.00 |
Early Literacy Text MessagesWeekly early literacy text messages will help engage parents and foster early literacy skills for children. |
Extra-Library | $0.00 |
Circulation of Non-traditional ItemsOffer non-traditional items for circulation to aid in achieving multiple goals |
Library | $0.00 |
Open Lobby area before hoursOpen MC's lobby to the public before 9:00 every day. |
Library | $1,600.00 |
Library MentorRecruitment Program for New Members |
Extra-Library | $0.00 |
Home Library PartiesCurrent library members host parties in their home to attract new members |
Extra-Library | $0.00 |
Wi-Fi Hotspots for Lending to MembersThis service would provide Internet access to members that might not otherwise have it at their home. |
Extra-Library | $11,000.00 |
Mobile Computer LabCreation of a mobile computer lab for technology literacy, professional development, and entertainment programs to increase user's digital literacy and real-world, marketable tech skills. |
Library | $22,500.00 |
Books on a BoatThis book club's innovative format on the Bricktown canal would spark new memberships, build existing members, and connect downtown OKC workers and residents with their community. |
Extra-Library | $1,000.00 |
Display Screens & QR codesThrough placement of display screens and QR-coded interactive displays throughout the library, we will be able to promote our services to approximately 6,000 people annually. |
Virtual | $7,000.00 |
Online Resource CenterCreate a digital resource center with free downloads of educational materials for our customers, day care centers, homeschool associations, etc. |
Virtual | $0.00 |
Sports CenterA collection similar to Downtown's Oklahoma Room, but dedicated specifically to Oklahoma sports |
Library | $0.00 |
Literacy PlaygroundsLiteracy Playgrounds would be spaces outside the library, such as a storefront, that would be dedicated to children's programming, making children's programming and the early literacy skills it includes more accessible to our members. |
Library | $0.00 |
"Reading to Dogs" by DronePromotional events leading up to the implementation of drone delivery of holds |
Extra-Library | $0.00 |
Drone Delivery of HoldsDeliver books right to patrons' doors, cheaper than it costs to route them to our libraries |
Extra-Library | $0.00 |
Speed Dating at the Library!Speed dating at the library will provide a fun event for current members, and entice new and/or lapsed members to come to the library. |
Library | $0.00 |
Diabetes Management ToolsKeeping customers up to date on diabetes management tools |
Library | $0.00 |
Opening Metro U Training to All MembersThe Library will offer customer service oriented staff trainings to members as well as staff. |
Library | $0.00 |
Cataloging TurnaroundReducing overall turnaround time for materials in Cataloging may result in overall member holds being filled more quickly. |
N/A | $1,000.00 |
Books and BeerPair up with a local brewery or pub for a book night geared towards millenials |
Extra-Library | $0.00 |
Checking out ereadersChecking out ereaders to members to expand the reach of our digital collections. |
Extra-Library | $4,000.00 |
Reel 'em inProvide fishing gear for checkout at select locations. |
Library | $0.00 |
Real-Time TranslationsSince our job is to provide services to the communities around us this project would allow us to successfully communicate with non-English speakers. |
Library | $0.00 |
Book Discussion KitsThis project is to create book discussion kits for use within our libraries. |
Library | $8,000.00 |
Literacy LegendsCommunity members who support literacy will be recognized by the Library, raising the profile of literacy causes in our communities. |
Extra-Library | $0.00 |
Disaster Relief1. Create partnerships with local community organizations such as the Red Cross or Oklahoma County React to provide help and relief to communities and individuals in times of crisis/disaster by administering resources. |
Extra-Library | $10,000.00 |
Digital DVD Download ContestOffering digital DVD downloads via Facebook would generate library promotion through social media. |
Virtual | $0.00 |
Bicycle Repair StationsProvide access to air and bike tools to our cycling customers |
Library | $1,500.00 |
Promotional ToolboxesBy 2035, every person in the community will use a library service. |
Library | $0.00 |
Optimization of operating hoursAdjustment to operating hours to better align with member demand and to increase inter-reach |
Library | $0.00 |
Yoga, Mommy and MeA mother and infant/young child bonding experience through yoga. |
Library | $1,500.00 |
JNF RelocationRelocate JNF materials out of the adult collection to be a browsable collection like TNF |
Library | $6,000.00 |
Online Database/Repository for Native American Languages and Learning MaterialsCreate an online database of Native American languages and learning materials to help to preserve the languages and reach a community that has historically been vastly underserved. |
Virtual | $0.00 |
Oklahoma WritesAn author project reinforcing the importance of libraries in the era of eBooks and self-publishing. |
Virtual | $10,000.00 |
Metro Grows Community Seed ExchangeOur Metro Grows Community Seed Exchange will connect members with the resources and experiences they need to grow their own food, connect with their local community, and gain new knowledge. |
Library | $2,000.00 |
Become a language preservation and learning hubWe can leverage our existing space and new relationships to preserve our state's linguistic heritage and enhance lives. |
Library | $0.00 |
Homeschool OutreachMany of our current members are part of the homeschool community. |
Library | $0.00 |
Embedded librarians in Academic LibrariesSet up a Metrolibrary desk or point of contact in a local college or university library like UCO or OCCC. |
Extra-Library | $0.00 |
Social Media SweepSocial media accounts for established platforms will be created upon request for individual branches or departments within a branch to maintain and control, allowing real-time promotion and communication and reaching a broad demographic. |
Virtual | $0.00 |
Book Vending MachineBook Vending Machines at popular pedestrian destinations throughout the area to increase market penetration |
Extra-Library | $35,000.00 |
Project updates on large-impact projectsDevelop a platform on the intranet where all staff can stay updated on the big or system-wide projects others are working on. |
N/A | $100.00 |
Oklahoma City Museum of Art PartnershipPartner more closely with OKCMOA |
Library | $0.00 |
Metropolitan Library System Smart AppCreation of a dedicated, multi-functional mobile app for downloading ebooks, magazines, journals, and newspapers which would have a tremendous impact on customers as it would make digital media truly accessible from any device in one user-friendly app. |
Virtual | $25,000.00 |
Compact (Shelving) SessionsWeb series featuring emerging local music talent performing in our compact shelving unit. |
Virtual | $2,350.00 |
MakerspaceProvide Makerspace stations and resources to foster community growth |
Library | $0.00 |
Career/Resume CounselorsLibrary or Libraries will have a paid professional expert to assist in job application |
Library | $0.00 |