Onboarding patrons before launch

A soft-launch playbook for getting patrons using your new Shelfwise library.

Week 1: Soft launch with 10-20 friendly patrons

• Identify 10-20 patrons who'll give you feedback (your regulars, librarians)
• Email them an invite
• Show them around in person or via a quick Zoom
• Ask what's confusing

Week 2: Fix what's confusing

• Update settings, custom emails, or instructions based on feedback
• Add a Welcome message to the patron portal explaining "what's new"

Week 3: Broader rollout

• Email all patrons with a welcome message and login link
• Bulletin / newsletter announcement
• Posters at the library
• A 1-page "How to use the new system" handout

Week 4: Active outreach

• Stand by the kiosk during peak hours to help
• Run a "ribbon-cutting" event with refreshments
• Offer hands-on demos for any patron who wants one

Setting expectations

• Some patrons won't change — accept it. Continue offering manual checkout for those.
• Most patrons take 2-3 uses to feel comfortable
• After 4-6 weeks, kiosk usage typically settles at 70-90% of total checkouts

Communicate the why

Patrons engage more when they understand the benefits:

• 24/7 access (browse from home)
• Faster checkout
• Personal portal (see what you have out)

Don't undersell

A 200-book library can use every Shelfwise feature. Don't apologize for the technology — present it as upgraded service.