There are several issues Vocera addresses for MCPL. To better serve the county’s multi-lingual communities, Vocera enables staff to call a certified interpreter at the library customer’s point-of-need when face-to-face communication becomes a challenge. Vocera also ensures a safe environment by remotely allowing staff to dial 911, make all-staff announcements or locate other staff in the building if assistance is needed. These capabilities are enabled by Wi-Fi access points throughout the library branch.

MCPL implemented Vocera as a pilot at its largest library facility (90,000 square feet). The existing network infrastructure required cable and server upgrades and expansion by both MCPL’s and county-level technology units. Vocera also needed to be connected to the 911 call system to ensure complete security function. The technology can identify the caller’s location so that the emergency communications center would know a caller’s location even if he/she hangs up or cannot speak.

Vocera’s implementation resulted in increased communication and safety. Staff are able to call a manager or Security with a voice command from anywhere in the building. MCPL will soon purchase a package with unlimited licenses and accessibility module for persons who are deaf. Lastly, MCPL is considering the possibility of magnifying Vocera’s functionality to include telephony, effectively replacing desk phones and allowing “roving” staff to answer telephone inquiries from any location in the branch.