East Sussex Libraries

Modular self-service library lending devices for a future-focused public service

Recently installed at multiple sites across East Sussex, the Discovery Station was chosen through a competitive tender process to fulfill this local authority’s need to deliver a future-facing libraries service.

Self Service library kiosk inside public library

Equipped to meet changing user needs, and delivered with training aimed at empowering library staff to manage the ongoing running and basic maintenance of the system, the Discovery Station kiosks are designed to increase patron use through a simple and intuitive user interface, for issue and return of items and account management.

The Discovery Station by GWD is a custom-built solution with circular economy design principles, made to last longer than a typical lending kiosk contract, upgradable and updateable as services grow and change, without the need for costly and environmentally wasteful replacement at contract end.

Here’s what Steve Henson, Principal Library Officer at East Sussex County Council Libraries, had to say about our work:

"I just wanted to say a massive thank you for the successful installation of the kiosks and how well you worked with the teams on site and Marina. The staff feedback has been really positive and this is in large part to how well the installations went and the efforts by yourself to support the customers. I was also able to leave you to it with full confidence that it was under control which had a big impact on my work loads the last two weeks. Everyone is glad to be working with you and the team and look forward to making the most out of the kiosks. Thanks again."

Recent Case Studies

Slim Donation Station in use at Al Huda Centre

Al-Huda Islamic Centre and Mosque

Contactless donations to help Mosque fundraising The Al-Huda Centre in Sheffield knew it needed to gain more income through donations, to help with its day-to-day

Donation Station being used at a stall in Tesco

Burngreave Foodbank

Trussell Trust foodbank doubles daily donations at Tesco store with Donation Station   The Donation Station replaced usual face to face volunteer fundraising, and was

Considering changing your library lending kiosks?

Contact GWD to discover how the Discovery Station can improve user experience and your service provision

Attract Loop

Part of the Donation Station’s key visual design features, the Attract Loop are screensavers purposefully designed to run on a loop. Created by GWD with your input, they use visuals or photography, plus an emotive call to action, to catch the donors interest and lead them towards donation through interactive storytelling.

Custom Branding

The entire Donation Station is open to branding, from external display to on-screen logos, photography and your brand look and feel.

Our design support service can adapt visuals and graphics to suit your brand.

Wifi or 4G/5G Data SIM

Where you need it, the Donation Station can be supplied with Data or Wifi connectivity.

If using the device in a remote location or at an event, it’s worth considering the signal strength available – GWD can support you to ensure there’s a smooth running operation on the day.

Encourages Promotion​

The opportunity to engage further with donors, and start a longer lasting relationship that converts to membership or legacy funding is here too.

We’ve designed the user journey to allow for interactive storytelling, to capture interest and guide the donor towards this goal.

Safe & Secure

All data is transmitted with full encryption, so you can be sure that all individual donor data is safely used, in accordance with GDPR regulations.

Specific Purpose Donation

Giving choice on where the donor wants their money to be spent empowers them further. The Donation Station asks this question and gives charities freedom to present their causes and activites as separate campaigns.

Gift Aid Up Sell

An integrated Gift Aid function on all Donation Stations helps boost fundraising a further 25%. This tax relief can be claimed from HRMC from any donor that supplies their contact details and makes a declaration, as a UK tax payer. The Donation Station is designed to encourage and secure this additional fundraising income easily, through simple reports that can be downloaded and submitted to HMRC as part of a Gift Aid claim.