ST. PAUL, Minn. – June 21, 2010 –After several years of success with 3M RFID Solutions, the Live Oak Public Libraries in Savannah, Ga., have incorporated automated materials handling (AMH) and are considering expanding the system to more locations. The 18-branch system adopted 3M RFID in 2007, and librarians’ experiences with 3M’s AMH technology have them now planning to retrofit systems into older branches as well as in designs for new buildings.
One of the key elements of the Live Oak service is the 3M Intelligent Return and Sorter System, an affordable and efficient automated materials handling system. The easy-to-use interface allows library patrons to instantly check their items in, after which the system sorts the items into bins, helping speed their return to the stacks. The technology can be installed in various configurations to accommodate the space and budget of each library. Because several of the Live Oak locations have limited space, they utilize a three-bin unit, which is compact but effective. "In one bin, we put the holds," explains Karen Reichardt, assistant director for technology and technical services. "Another gets the items that need to be looked at, like digital media. The last bin is for the material that can go straight back to the shelves."
The Intelligent Return and Sorter System helps decrease the time it takes for an item to get back to the shelf, increasing staff productivity while enhancing customer satisfaction. Live Oak’s Oglethorpe Mall location reports that the system has reduced handling time by the equivalent of one staff person, which was a key help in light of the branch’s rapidly growing circulation. The 18 branches of the Live Oak system handled approximately 1.6 million items in 2009.
Among the other 3M products in use at Live Oak Public Libraries are 3M SelfCheck Systems and 3M Detection Systems, both of which also improve efficiency by enabling self-service and securing collections.
"We were confident that the technology would help us cut down the time we spent handling items as we check them in and out," says Reichardt. "And we were right."
For more information about the 3M Library Systems solutions, visit http://www.3m.com/library or stop by 3M’s booth, #1703, at the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference & Exhibition, June 25 – June 28 in Washington, DC.
About 3M Library Systems
3M Library Systems is the only company that develops, designs, and manufactures cutting-edge conversion, circulation, collection management, and security solutions. Finding the technology solution that is right for our customers, 3M's promise is to deliver a long term partnership that is built to exceed their expectations. For more information about 3M Library Systems, visit http://www.3m.com/library.
