By Marvin Crisp
Founder and Owner of D-Tech International

As the founder of D-Tech International, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of technology in libraries over the course of our twenty plus years working with library customers. One trend that’s been gaining significant traction in the US is the implementation of remote smart lockers, allowing patrons to collect and return library resources 24/7. This innovation is not just a convenience; it’s reshaping how libraries serve their communities. And I’m proud that D-Tech is at the forefront of the industry with an award-winning remote locker solution.

The demand for around-the-clock library access has never been higher. In a recent survey we conducted amongst our worldwide library customer base, 63% of respondents identified 24/7 collection and return as one of the most valuable features of smart book lockers. This trend highlights a fundamental shift in patron expectations – the library should be accessible whenever they need it.

Our remote SMART lockers are answering this call by bringing library resources closer to where people live and work. For instance, in 2024, Hoboken Public Library (HPL) faced a significant challenge in providing library services to its Uptown patrons due to the long distance they had to travel. To address this, HPL implemented a D-Tech SMART Hold library locker outside the Hoboken Historical Museum, becoming the first in New Jersey to offer a remote, 24/7 library book locker service. As Library Director Jennie Pu noted, the popularity of their existing onsite lockers made a remote library locker the perfect solution to improve access to library services.

One of the key factors driving the adoption of SMART lockers is their ability to integrate seamlessly with existing library systems. Our survey revealed that 76% of respondents value integration with library catalogue systems as a crucial feature. This integration ensures that the borrowing process remains smooth and familiar to patrons, even when using remote lockers. The Glen Ridge Public Library in New Jersey exemplifies this seamless integration. Their D-Tech SMART lockers have enabled them to offer 24/7 access to library materials while maintaining full integration with their library management system – not to mention customisable aesthetics that are in keeping with the library’s historic building.

One concern often raised about outdoor lockers is their durability. However, our SMART lockers are designed to withstand various weather conditions. In fact, this has been a unique selling point for us as more and more customers have looked to install book lockers in external locations. As our customer, Geeta Halley, Assistant Director at the Round Rock Public Library (RRPL) in Texas, explained: “D-Tech’s SMART Hold Lockers were perfect to meet the needs of a variety of customers and provide a unique service delivery option. At the time, they were the only lockers designed to be truly outdoors. We knew this feature would enable us to find spaces in other parts of Round Rock to expand access to the library.”

Our lockers feature weather-resistant, anti-corrosive steel frames and market-leading security features, ensuring that library materials remain safe and accessible regardless of external conditions. We’re proud to hear that our robust designs have made it possible for the RRPL to significantly widen community reach.

Libraries are no longer just about books. The concept of a “Library of Things” is gaining popularity, with libraries now lending a diverse range of items, including sports equipment, household tools, musical instruments, and even technology. I’m pleased to see this is only strengthening the library’s position as being a highly valuable hub for the community. It’s interesting to see how some libraries are pairing this with their support for community initiatives. For example, the Fontana Regional Library in North Carolina, which has partnered with the Franklin Appalachian Trail Community Council to offer sports and hiking equipment, encouraging community members to stay active.

Of course, smart lockers are adapting to this trend. In fact, 51% of our survey respondents notably value the multiple locker sizes of our SMART lockers for various items.

While this trend is currently more pronounced in the US, it’s one that UK libraries should watch closely. The potential for remote smart lockers to support UK libraries facing potential closures is significant. By extending services beyond physical library buildings, these lockers could help maintain and even expand library presence in communities. They represent an opportunity to demonstrate the ongoing value of libraries, helping to safeguard their future by adapting to changing user needs.

I’m particularly proud to announce that D-Tech’s SMART Hold lockers have just been awarded the prestigious 2025 Modern Libraries Platinum Award. This accolade not only highlights the innovative nature of our library locker system but also reinforces our position as a leading technology provider. The Modern Library Awards, a renowned programme in the library industry, evaluates products and services based on the experiences of librarians who have used them. Receiving the Platinum Award, the highest honour in this programme, demonstrates that our SMART Hold lockers have not just met but exceeded the expectations of library staff across the country. A huge credit to the entire D-Tech team, from our in-house designers, developers and manufacturers to our sales and support teams.

As we enter 2025, the trend of remote smart lockers in libraries is set to accelerate. We’re likely to see more innovative uses, improved integration with digital library services, and possibly even AI-driven recommendations based on borrowing patterns. At D-Tech, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this revolution, providing solutions that help libraries extend their reach and impact. The future of libraries is not just about preserving knowledge; it’s about making that knowledge accessible to all, anytime and anywhere.

Remote smart lockers are more than just a trend – they’re a testament to the enduring importance of libraries and their ability to evolve with the needs of their communities. As we continue to innovate, one thing remains clear: the heart of the library will always be its service to the community, whether that’s in person or through a smart locker at 2 AM.