Story Box Library (SBL) is announcing an important update to its barcode range authentication functionality. This improvement will provide a better user experience for patrons and additional statistical data for libraries, with only a minor change being made to the current login process. Made possible by the development of the upcoming StoryBox app (coming soon), this update will ensure all SBL public library subscribers and their communities can access our app, personalise their settings, and provide further account security. 

Benefits for librarians and library staff

  • Additional statistics to library account holders (total, unique and new logins for each month), available once the functionality is live

  • More SBL account security

  • An alternative for public library subscribers if SIP2 is not an option for connection

  • Libraries will not need to provide any additional information for this update, unless they’ve had any recent additions to their existing barcode ranges

Benefits for public library patrons

  • Individual playlists for each library patron

  • Personalised account settings if your library uses a barcode range for SBL authentication

Download a patron brochure about account update benefits here.

We are phasing out support for EZproxy as we are unable to use it to support patron individuality or access to our upcoming app, so barcode ranges or SIP2 are our recommended methods for SBL authentication. If your library uses IP recognition for automatic onsite authentication, editing playlists will only be available if you are logged in as the account holder. This is to avoid onsite users accidentally deleting, creating or changing library-owned playlists. Read more about the SBL authentication options for public libraries in our FAQs here.

The Story Box Library team is excited to announce our first ever app in development! Expanding on the existing digital platform, our new app will be available for Apple and Android devices, and will help more educators, librarians, families and children access a world of stories. Read more.

Story Box Library Features and Benefits for Libraries and their Patrons

With SBL features and functionalities ever evolving to make it easier for libraries, librarians and their community to connect and engage, we’re sharing some of our most recent features, only available to SBL subscribers. Read more.

Public Libraries Online PD event: Getting to Know the SBL Basics

In our first ever online PD event for public libraries, Story Box Library (SBL) focused on familiarising public librarians with our various features and functions. Presenters discussed and offered insights into ways in which SBL can be used as a digital resource to engage families and young readers, complementing and enhancing existing programs, connecting library communities far and wide. Attending this PD will provide learning that contributes towards LIANZA professional registration. ALIA Professional Members can reflect on this event to claim PD hours in the ALIA PD Scheme. Watch the recorded PD event here.