Leading library technology provider bibliotheca has announced today that it will implement self-service solutions using RFID technology at Aurora Public Library (APL) in Ontario, Canada – a move that will see the library system offer patrons a more efficient self-service process and an enhanced customer service experience.
Serving over 50,000 residents in Aurora, a town based in the York Region of Ontario, APL has partnered with bibliotheca to convert its library branch from an Electromagnetic (EM) based system to RFID technology so that library users can experience a faster transaction process when checking items in and out of the library, and staff can be alleviated of spending valuable hours manually processing and sorting returned items.
To coincide with the renovation of the library building, the project will see all of APL's existing self-check out kiosks replaced with a brand new bibliotheca system, in addition to a new automated return and sorting solution. In total, four bibliotheca smartserve 400 self-service kiosks will be deployed in the library - allowing library users to check-out items simultaneously and pay for any fees and fines at the kiosks. The implementation will also include a set of smartgate 400 security gates to provide greater security for APL's collection, and smartstock 200 and smartstock 300 handheld devices to allow for inventory management and mobile staff transactions.
One of the most important steps forward with the introduction of RFID is the ability to allow library users to check out several items at once, which will improve traffic flow in the library. Khuan Seow, IT Manager at Aurora Public Library, comments: "Currently, patrons have to check items out one-by-one, which can be quite time-consuming and cause a backlog of queues at the kiosks. With RFID and our new self-service units we can speed that process up for patrons, together with offering them additional options, such as paying for fees on their account. We are also excited to see the results from the materials handling system – we are sure this will provide our circulation staff with more time to engage with patrons for a positive library experience."
Al Coalla, President and CEO of bibliotheca's North America division, adds: "We know that Aurora Public Library's strategic direction is to provide its community with increased self-service facilities and a faster, smoother customer experience. We have listened to their needs and feel that with these new solutions they are well on their to way achieving their objectives. We are excited to have them be a part of the bibliotheca customer family."
The installation at Aurora Public Library will commence in January 2015 and will begin with the library's 160,000- item collection being tagged with bibliotheca RFID labels before moving on to the next stage of the installation in the Spring. bibliotheca will also perform the tagging and conversion work of the library print and media items.
About bibliotheca
bibliotheca is dedicated to the development of solutions that help libraries connect with users in unique ways and provide engaging experiences, allowing them to continually evolve their library services for the changing needs of their communities. Their products are designed to provide a welcoming, intuitive and seamless environment for those that use the library – wherever they choose to use it - be that at home, on the move or within the library itself.
With over 30,000 libraries as part of their family, they have installed and continue to support more than 10,000 self-service units, 6,000 security systems and over 650 Automated Materials Handling (sorter) systems. In addition, the cloudLibrary digital platform powers eBook and eAudiobook lending at a further 3,000 libraries.
About Aurora Public Library
The Aurora Public Library is Aurora's place for exploring possibilities, fostering ideas and mobilizing knowledge. With their partners, APL provides spaces and connections to stimulate learning, share information and build a better community. Their passion is to make a positive difference in Aurora and in the lives of those who live, work and study there.
