RFID tags, Automated Materials Handlers and hardworking pages are keeping books on the shelves at the Farmington Community Library
Background-
This is my local library and I’m always amazed at how fast a book gets checked in and put back onto the shelves
Sometimes it's back on the shelf before I even leave the library.
I was there a few days ago and decided to ask for a “back lot” tour of the facility to see how this magic works.
I got my tour and want to share with you what I saw.
Listening to your customers!
In 2001 the library was looking to improve its systems while keeping its internal and external customers in mind. By listening to the VOC it came up with some very straightforward goals.
For Patrons:
- Easier to return items and faster check in
- No long lines at the Circulation Desk
- Self-serve hold pick up
For Staff:
- Increased efficiency and productivity
- Items presorted
- Faster turnaround time
- More time for Pages to shelf read (finding mis-shelved books)
Each book, DVD etc. has its own RFID chip that uniquely identifies it in the system.
This chip is used to identify the material being checked out by each library patron. There are also several self checkout systems located at the front of the library to help speed the process along.
Sharon (The library branch head) said that 40% of the patrons use the self checkout and the kids like it because they can do it on their own. This is true…I have 2.5 yr old and she loves it!
Meet “Igor” the automated materials handler at the main library.
Igor is the pet name for the automated book/AV return at the library and was first spec’d out and installed in 2001/2002 and went live in early 2003.
Igor is responsible for scanning each item back into the system (using RFID tags) and sorting the materials into pre-defined carts to make it easier for the pages to return the books to the shelves. (see pics)
It’s a really great process to watch in action and I hope they post a video of it soon (hint hint). When you see the process you immediately understand why you are supposed to only put one item at a time on the conveyor belt.
Next time you’re at the Main Library request to see Igor, maybe you will be as fascinated by him as I was.
I want to send a special thanks to:
Sharon Vincent ([email protected]) the Branch Head who gave me the tour and Kathie Brown ([email protected]) the Coordinator of Automation and Igor’s handler. If they weren’t so helpful and responsive then this could have been the post that never was.
I was originally going to make this a single blog post but there is so much good stuff going on at this library that I’m going to have to write some more soon. This is a place where everyone gives 100% and I’m taking notice.
