Case Story: Gladsaxe Libraries
From Nothing to an Ergonomic Solution in Top Class on Three Floors
”Height-adjustable staff inductions are also a clear advantage for our employees. They can easily adjust the induction to a suitable height so that there is no discomfort if you have to stand there for a little longer.”
John Stausholm of Gladsaxe Libraries
About the Library
Gladsaxe Libraries are located near the capital of Denmark, Copenhagen, and consist of five branches with more than 800,000 visitors annually. The libraries have an ongoing focus on developing and optimizing their operations, which is why they chose to implement a new book sorter at the Main Library in 2019. The libraries have also invested in Lyngsoe Systems’ IMMS™, which ensures intelligently floating collection and streamlines their item handling. Lyngsoe Systems’ solutions enable the release of resources and workflow optimization, so libraries can focus on their role as local community centers.
The Challenge
Workflow and ergonomics needed to be improved to meet the demands of the public
The role of libraries changes as society makes other demands on the modern library, which is why Gladsaxe Libraries in 2017 decided to develop and optimize their work processes to free up resources to be used to strengthen digital efforts, support learning, and strengthen their role as a meeting place for local residents. Gladsaxe libraries also wanted to improve the ergonomics for their employees, so it was important to find a solution that could improve the working positions and procedures of the library workers.
The Solution
Sort Mate™ 2000 for automatic sorting and IMMS™ to control floating collections
With a focus on operations development and workflow optimization, Gladsaxe decided to implement a new sorting solution in 2018. A Lyngsoe Sort Mate™ 2000 was installed and went into operation in the spring of 2019. It consists of a three-story sorting facility that automatically sorts around 3,000 books daily according to the categories in which they are placed in the library. Together with the introduction of an Intelligent Material Management System (IMMS™) and floating collections, the facility enables streamlined item handling. IMMS™ is a logistics system that complements your existing library system and creates an unprecedented level of transparency in your materials flow. With the help of new data collection tools, the materials can be tracked to the shelf, shelving cart, transport bin, or storage location.
Improved ergonomics
Gladsaxe Libraries are particularly pleased with their Lyngsoe Ergo Carts™, where a push on a button can raise a stack of books from vertical to horizontal, making reshelving easy and ergonomic. John Stausholm says, “We have purchased two tote stackers for the sorter. This makes it possible to stack up to three boxes on top of each other as they are filled. The totes can then be lowered onto the transport-dolly and hauled away. This is a big help in chutes where a lot of items end up”.
Benefits
Less manual material handling ensures efficient collection handling
- Freeing up resources; focus on customers
- Intelligently managed floating collections
- The Sort Mate 2000 streamlines work processes and ensures collection handling efficiency
- Significantly less manual item handling
- Better ergonomics and less lifting
The Results
One of the best processes we have been involved in
”For us, this has been one of the best processes we have been involved in for such a large system. We are very satisfied with the result” , says John Stausholm. With the new Lyngsoe Sort Mate™ 2000 Automated Material Handling System, Gladsaxe Libraries have significantly less manual handling, which means less lifting and better, more ergonomic workflows.
The installation of the Automated Material Handling System not only benefits the Main Library but also affects branches as waiting time for materials is minimized thanks to a more efficient flow in the library.