Abstract: A shared access personal storage locker system which includes a smartcard key containing re-writeable memory areas for locker access information, key ID and system ID information, locker storage units of similar or varying sizes containing a bimodal lock apparatus consisting of a key read/write unit for reading and/or writing information in/from the key, a lock control unit for controlling the unlocking and locking of a lock of a personal storage locker, a microcomputer to compare the information from the key to internal lock memory data and a display consisting of Public, Private and Error Message visual prompts . A method for utilizing the personal storage locker system and apparatus are provided in the preferred embodiment in which the programmed key is inserted into the key reader of a personal storage locker, the microcomputer compares the information on the key with the lock's internal memory information, if all rules are met, the locker unit is unlocked.