 If you’ve visited Wellington, Hagen Ranch Road, Lantana Road, Gardens, Jupiter or Okeechobee Blvd. branch lately you may have noticed some new equipment for returning your materials. The Library Mate has replaced the book drop. To use the machine to return your items, simply follow the instructions on the touch screen, scan your items at the induction station (which immediately removes the items from your account), and the conveyor belt will transport your item to the back room. The item travels on the conveyor belt until it reaches the correct bin (identified by the scanner) and is dropped in for reshelving or transfer to another location. Staff have embraced their new “co-workers” by naming the sorters: Wally, Tex, Lana, Garbo, Trapper and Obi-Wan.
 In addition to the sorting machines, the Library has express-check machines at most locations. If you have your library card, you can avoid the line at the desk, walk up to a self-check unit, follow the instructions on screen, scan your card, scan the barcode on the front of the item, grab your receipt and go. Some branches also have DVD Dispensers that work much like the now familiar Redbox. New and Popular DVD cases are on the shelves. Once you find a DVD you want, take the case to the allCIRC DVD Dispenser, scan your library card, scan the barcode on the front of the case, and your selection will pop up out of the slot. You can also use the DVD Dispenser to check out books and CDs.
 The express-check out stations, Library Mate, and sorters are radio frequency identification devices (RFID). For added security, the library is also installing gates with RFID technology. The gates will notify you in the event you didn’t properly check out all your materials.
All of this equipment is part of the library’s automation initiative. Last year the Library circulated 8.5 million items. That means staff processed 17 million items. With this equipment staff will be able to spend less time processing materials and more time assisting patrons.
 Maintaining a high level of customer service is a top priority for the Library. With the budget situation of the past few years, the Library had to find ways to cut costs without sacrificing service. In order to save as much money as possible we have delayed filling vacant positions and transferred staff between branches during the Library Expansion Program (LEP). The LEP, funded by a 2002 Bond Referendum, includes renovations of all branches and the construction of three new locations. The automation equipment is an integral part of our goal to maintain our level of service. Next year, the LEP construction projects will wrap up and all of the branches will be open for business and normally we would need additional staff for all of the new buildings.
Because the automation equipment allows us to have fewer employees processing materials we can re-allocate staff throughout the System and be able to staff the new locations. The automation equipment required an initial investment which will achieve payback within two years and will provide years of service. |
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