Libraries and Casinos

Well, I'm back from Las Vegas and a week or so of the blog being 'dark' (to use a Vegas expression). I'll have more on the trip and on configuration management later. Perhaps something like my report from New York I did a few years ago.

Anyway, one thing that I was thinking about last week is this: What can libraries learn from Casinos?

When you think about it, a Casino's goals are not too far off from those of libraries: bring people into your establishment, and keep them there. And to their credit, the casinos do a fantastic job of it.

One thing that we noticed last week - for example - was that the penny slot machines are typically near the front of the casino, to attract people passing by. On the other hand the cashier is typically near the centre of the casino, so in order to cash out when you leave, you have to walk back through the rows of tempting slot machines, black jack tables, etc.

There's definitely been quite a lot of thought (and money) put in to the environmental psychology behind Casinos. I understand that The Luxor underwent a huge architectural redesign after studies they conducted found that people found their huge, open area to be uncomfortable.

From Designing Casinos to Dominate the Competition:

Interior design is far more important in determining potential player counts than management, marketing, and operations combined

So, there must be lessons that libraries can learn from casinos in order to attract and retain patrons. The tactics don't necessarily have to be the same - although it would be really cool if waitresses came by and brought me free drinks while I did research at my local library....