Case Story: The University of Warwick

The University of Warwick Library Adopts Lyngsoe Library Clerk™

 

Warwick have been working with Lyngsoe Systems since 2019 when they installed our self- service machines, self-issue kiosks and returns machine. Since installation we were impressed with the reliability of the equipment and when reviewing our stock taking equipment decided again to go with Lyngsoe. We have been impressed with the reliability of the system, no breakages or need to send equipment back to the supplier. And the ease of setup, with an online portal make the use of the system much easier than our previous system. If support is needed on the system the company is very responsive over the phone. And we received training as part of the set up.

 

Geoff Lewis

Collections Manager

Leveraging Technology for a Smarter Library
The University of Warwick Library, known for its commitment to leveraging advanced technology, partnered with Lyngsoe Systems to upgrade their inventory and shelf management system. After facing challenges with the reliability of their previous equipment, Warwick Library adopted Lyngsoe’s self-service RFID technology in 2020, transforming its operations.

Geoff Lewis, Warwick University’s Collections Management and Discovery Manager, led the project to transition to Lyngsoe’s Library Clerk. Warwick’s journey with RFID technology initially began tagging around 500,000-600,000 items. However, the former system experienced frequent breakdowns and data transfer limitations. To address these issues, Warwick selected Lyngsoe’s Library Clerk for its robust RFID equipment, superior data handling capabilities, and seamless integration with the library’s Sierra Library Management System (LMS).

Library Clerk and System Integration
Lyngsoe's Library Clerk integrates effortlessly with the Sierra LMS, eliminating dependency on USBs and the associated administrative hurdles. Data can now be exported from Sierra as a CSV file and uploaded directly via Lyngsoe’s web portal, allowing any authorized staff member to manage uploads from any computer.

Warwick’s Collections Management team of eight library assistants rotates daily scanning tasks, spending about 1-2 hours each day to maintain accurate and updated inventory using Lyngsoe’s portable RFID scanning wands.

The RFID-enabled Library Clerk system has enabled Warwick Library to manage inventory more effectively. It quickly detects misplaced, miscategorized and damaged RFID tags, ensuring the library’s accuracy is maintained at optimal quality. This streamlined approach not only increases inventory reliability but also provides easy, effective tools for Warwick’s library staff to use daily.

 

Student Experience
While the Library Clerk primarily serves library staff, the system's improvements indirectly benefit Warwick’s patrons. Enhanced inventory accuracy ensures the library catalog reflects the real-time availability of materials, making it easier for students and other patrons to locate needed resources. In addition, staff can perform quick scans for high-demand or missing items, responding swiftly to patron requests.

 

Future Expansion
Looking ahead, Warwick University Library plans to extend RFID tagging to non-open-access materials stored in less accessible areas. This expansion would improve the library’s ability to track and manage items in various collections, enabling more comprehensive inventory control and quicker retrieval of stored resources.

Benefits and Impact on Library Operations

The introduction of Library Clerk has been transformative for Warwick University Library in several ways:

Enhanced Inventory Accuracy
Routine scanning with Lyngsoe’s RFID wands has minimized catalog discrepancies, improving the accuracy of the library’s inventory records.

Improved Retrieval of Missing Items
Staff can now locate misplaced or requested books more efficiently, which helps ensure resources are readily available for students.

Streamlined Data Management
With the ability to upload data directly from any authorized computer, the system eliminates previous restrictions on USB use, creating a more flexible and accessible data management process.

Reduced Equipment Fragility
Lyngsoe’s robust, reliable equipment has proven more durable than prior solutions, significantly reducing issues such as antenna damage and other maintenance needs, which were frequent obstacles with the former setup.

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