The 24-hour Self-Service Library, developed independently by Shenzhen, provides the following services:

• Application for a reader’s card

• Borrowing/Returning books

• OPAC search and digital resource access

• Renewal/ Pre-paid Fees and Charges

• Reserve service

• Electronic information service

As of 2010, 140 machines have been installed in residential areas throughout the city. The choice of books is of course much more than the machine can hold. In fact, You don’t choose book from within the machine. Instead, you search for books from the entire collection of Shenzhen library, make a reservation, and specify where (which machine) you want to collect the book(s), all these are done online through Shenzhen Library’s website. The book(s) will be delivered to the machine you choose within 48 hours. Then you’ll get an SMS message notifying you that the book(s) has been delivered to the machine and is ready to be collected.