Changes Being Made to PPLS Program Registration Process

Lorain Public Library System is looking to improve patron experience by eliminating the need to preregister for many of its programs.

“Registration has historically been required on the majority of programs in order to provide contact information in case of a program being cancelled or postponed,” Director of Marketing and Public Relations Jennifer Black said. “However, many patrons have found this frustrating as they are either not as experienced with online registrations as others or are often shut out of programs that they were eager to attend because they aren’t available on the date and time registration opens.”

Despite sending reminder emails or texts to those that had preregistered, the library has seen a trend of several programs with full capacity play off with a lower than intended attendance.

“Plans can change,” Black said. “Pivoting to a primarily drop-in model allows all patrons a day-of decision regarding attending. We’re hoping to accommodate more patrons by being flexible.”

While registration will cease for many, it will still be necessary for others. Programs that requiring advance purchase of materials such as cooking and crafting programs, those that take up more space in the room such as some exercise programs, hybrid programs that automatically email an access link to participants, and grant-sponsored programs that mandate participant tracking will all still require registrations.

To help ease the transition from preregistration to a drop-in format, LPLS may implement a backup ticketing system if necessary. The ticketing system would be a temporary tool to manage room capacity at the beginning of a popular program series, like story times, which have a higher attendance at the first session than those that follow, making the drop-in model ideal for these kinds of programs.

“As with any new process there may be some hiccups, but overall we hope this makes for a more accommodating, less frustrating experience for both our patrons and staff,” Black said.