Browse, Borrow and Board
Boston Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
Browse, Borrow, Board (BBB) is a statewide experiment that explores the relationship between public transit rider experience and the offerings of public libraries. This groundbreaking collaboration between the Boston Public Library, Massachusetts Department of Transportation and Massachusetts Library Association enables passengers to access a wide range of multilingual digital library content at transit stops, without a library card.
BPL's unique role as the Library for the Commonwealth has traditionally supported library collections by providing electronic resources and not through physical partnerships throughout the state. With BBB, the BPL partners with statewide (MassDOT), Massachusetts Library Association, and local partners (Local Regional Transit authorities) to expand outreach of library services and instantly connect transit riders with content to enhance their commutes. This work continues our commitment to equity, ensuring underserved communities benefit.
Challenge/Opportunity
The BPL built a collection of over 1600 eBook and audio titles and 700+ magazines and newspapers that would meet the widest needs of users, focusing on youth and teens, popular new publications, and material in Spanish, Portuguese, and French. No library card is needed to access the collection; access is via an online form through QR codes posted at transit stops at partnering RTA routes.
BBB captures underutilized downtime experienced by commuters to connect them with library materials. Partnering with Local Regional Transit Authorities through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, local RTAs determined the best spots for signage and handled installation around their fleet. Massachusetts Library System supported with funding to meet needs for the Library of Commonwealth.
BBB enhances daily commutes through access to a vast digital library, promoting digital literacy and access and leveraging technology for social equity.
Key Elements of Innovation
Cross-Sector Collaboration: Showcases a successful partnership between BPL, MassDOT, MBTA, Massachusetts library system and the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics, integrating diverse expertise to enhance urban services.
Technology Integration: Utilizes QR codes at transit stops, providing commuters with straightforward access to digital library resources, which simplifies technology interaction for all user levels.
Curated Content: Offers a varied and multilingual collection of digital resources, specifically selected for quick consumption during commutes, catering to the diverse Boston population.
Data-Driven Adaptation: Employs commuter usage data to refine and evolve service offerings, ensuring relevance and effectiveness in enhancing the commuter experience.
Scalability and Replication: Designed for easy adaptation in other cities, the project serves as a model for merging digital literacy with public transportation initiatives globally.
Achieved Outcomes
The collaborative effort has not only enhanced commutes but also fostered a greater connection between the public transportation and its library services, making resources more accessible to all residents of Boston.
The BBB program is currently undergoing a qualitative feedback survey to learn more about long term outcomes around the transit experience and library awareness.
Positive feedback from users has highlighted an improvement in the public transit experience, attributing a new layer of value to daily travel routines. To date over 2200 individuals have signed up for the service and 700 items have been borrowed in the 15 months since launch. Titles in languages other than English have accounted for 15% of total checkouts since launch.
Quotes:
“Made my mornings so much better! I got to read a popular book in a few rides on my way to work.”
“It helped me realize the variety of the library.”
"I was able to read an article behind a pay wall."
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