At the library we have two kinds of bookdrops*: an automated one that directly sends the items to be processed by the AMH, and a "dead drop" which is just a hole in the wall leading to a bin. The dead drop's contents must be emptied by hand, so we prefer that customers use the automated drop and save the dead drop for when the other isn't working. The problem is when facing the building, the dead drop is most visible, while the automated drop is a few feet away in a small alcove. This isn't the most ideal design, and you can guess what happens.

Recently we decided to put a lock on the dead drop during open hours so that our staff doesn't have to spend all day bending and emptying the dead drop by hand. Watching people walk up to the newly locked dead drop feels sort of like administering a secret IQ test. Will they notice it's locked? Will they try to fit books in anyway? Will they notice the sign directing them to the automated bookdrop? Will they walk inside and complain? Will they stomp off and try again another day?

I watched one woman get out of her car, walk up to the dead drop, frown, then stomp back to her car without returning her item. She then parked her car and came back, finding the automated bookdrop on her second try.

Most people are figuring it out. And, yes, there is a large sign (with text and an arrow!) right in front of their faces.


*While I prefer bookdrop, performing a Google Fight on bookdrop and book drop suggests that book drop is the more widely used term.