An accessible city library for patrons, employees, and volunteers

Implementation

Tagging 37,000 items over 3 months

For the RFID conversion, all items first had to be given RFID labels and the information had to be transferred from the barcode to them. Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the full-time employees and volunteer staff, the inventory of over 37,000 items were converted within just three months during ongoing library operations at the end of 2021.

In spring 2022, a tender was put out for the RFID self-service kiosks and several RFID pads for the workstations. Lyngsoe Systems was awarded the contract and planning for the implementation began immediately.

Unfortunately, the worldwide supply bottlenecks did not spare the project at that time and the planned installation date had to be postponed. Preparations were made in close contact in the interim, so that the final connection of the machines could be carried out quickly and easily.

One positive aspect worth pointing out is that communication with Lyngsoe Systems has always been open, trusting, and solution-oriented. This meant that despite the adversity, the city library was always up-to-date and the joy was all the greater when all components were delivered, installed, and commissioned shortly afterward in September 2022.

The situation at present

Overwhelmingly positive response from both customers and employees

The positive response has been overwhelming. Initial skepticism among some customers quickly disappeared after they tried the machines and discovered how easy and self-explanatory they were to use. Some even said they had fun doing the booking themselves. People also liked the fact that the machines were height-adjustable and children, in particular, are delighted to be able to participate in the booking. On the whole, waiting times for customers have been drastically reduced by separating borrowing, return, pick-up, and information and advice.

The employees of the city library are also relieved by how easy it is to work with the new technology. This change takes a lot of weight off their shoulders. In addition to reducing staffing requirements at the counter through customer self-service, internal business processes can also be made significantly more efficient through batch booking.

The Library Mate 5000 self-service station with a small sorting station that leads directly to the employee office completes the approach of using automation consistently and relieving the strain on employees. On the one hand, it prevents unnecessary travel with the book trolley, as the materials are directly at the workplace and can be processed there on the flexible and maneuverable Ergo Carts.

This not only relieves the strain on employees in terms of time, but also physically, and also enables low-contact working methods in times of the pandemic. On the other hand, the first coarse sorting to three chutes saves time and shows that a sorter in a smaller library is an asset.