How to tag remote library service points (pickup + return)?

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1

In trying to address a note from another contributor, I’m trying to figure out how to tag a certain type of library-related facility.

In OSM, we can map libraries using amenity=library, and there is also amenity=library_dropoff for places where materials can be returned. However, I’m unsure how to tag locations that function as small, remote service points where users can both pick up and return library materials, but which are not actual libraries themselves.

In my area, these are typically found in rural locations or in small island communities, where access to an actual library is limited. The service points may be placed in local shops, community buildings, or standalone lockers.

These locations are (I think) only serviced by the associated library on a weekly basis or less frequently, and they usually do not offer any on-site personal assistance.

I have looked around the wiki but have not been able to find any tagging scheme that seems to fit these kinds of “remote library service points”, so I would be interested to hear if there are any suggestions or established approaches.

2

Good question.

Ideally we’d have a top level tag for a library service point (amenity=library_service), with a subtag for the type (library_service=shop,community_centre,locker,...), and a subtag to specify pickup=yes/no + dropoff=yes/no.

On the other hand we already have amenity=parcel_locker and so we could continue down the same path and do amenity=library_locker however this only supports book lockers and other service points like over the counter at a shop or community center would need to have different tags.

Since I came across a local library book locker, so I’ll opt for amenity=library_locker for my mapping for now (Node History: ‪Naremburn Book Locker‬ (‪13720404731‬) | OpenStreetMap), but keen to see the tagging develop further.