The Library Corporation (TLC) and Tech Logic congratulate Winter Park Library (WPL) on the completion of their distinguished new building, designed by the renowned architect, Sir David Adjaye. The two vendors served as a single systems integrator for the library's project, providing the foundational CARL.Solution integrated library system and Tech Logic's suite of automation solutions. The building project has been nominated for the ArchDaily 2022 Building of the Year Awards.

Winter Park Library has been operating from its new building for approximately one month, though the project has undergone several phases since its bond referendum passed in 2016. WPL set out to create a community space and a new service model with the future in mind. They wanted to have flexibility, to be accessible, and to meet patrons at the point of need. TLC's integrated library system and Tech Logic's automation hardware were key to that success.

In October 2020, WPL completed their migration from SirsiDynix to TLC as one phase of the new service model. Melissa Schneider, Assistant Director at Winter Park Library, shared what went into their decision: "Our focus was that we had to have a catalog that functioned the way people expect modern technology to function. We wanted that ‘Amazon search experience.' We didn't see anything else on the market that came anywhere close to what TLC offered."

In the new service model, roving staff are equipped with a tablet, fully mobile CARL.Connect Staff and the CARL.Connect Discovery FRBR-ized catalog from TLC, miniature RFID pads, and everything they need to assist patrons. The Winter Park community appreciates the library's hands-on and concierge-like service. When the new building opened, it also included eight selfCIRC PRIME self-service kiosks, rfidGATE security gates, and a new totalAMH automated material handler, all provided by Tech Logic.

"The game-changer for us with Tech Logic's materials handler was the multi-item induction feature," stated Schneider. "In terms of thinking about how our members use the library, we thought, ‘We're going to build this incredible state-of-the-art library, and then we're going to tell our moms with kids that have a stack of books to return that they have to feed them into the machine one at a time?!' That's crazy."

TLC and Tech Logic streamlined technology, processes, and workflows for Winter Park Library. "Historically, we had many vendors, and getting each one to talk to the other, getting the systems to think as one, was just not possible," shared Schneider. "Having these combined companies that work so well together, that don't have conflicting technology, was really appealing to us."

With a population of over 30,000 residents, Winter Park is located just north of Orlando, Florida. The single-site library system — about a mile from its previous location — was founded in 1885 and is home to over 121,000 items with an average annual circulation of almost 400,000.

Since opening their new location, Winter Park Library has welcomed a record number of new members and visitors. In an average month in their previous location, the library would have enrolled 185 new members and seen 300 to 500 people per day. In contrast, in just two weeks' time in the new facility, WPL enrolled over 900 new members and welcomed between 600 to 800 people per day.

For more information on partnering with TLC and Tech Logic for your library's upcoming, large-scale service remodel or building renovation, please reach out at info@TLCdelivers.com.

About The Library Corporation

TLC has operated continuously under the same ownership since 1974 and employs over 200 people dedicated to delivering enterprise software and hardware solutions to public, school, academic, and special libraries worldwide. TLC's cumulative products are deployed in more than 1,100 organizations, representing over 5,500 locations in North America and worldwide. TLC is certified by the U.S. General Services Administration, Women's Business Enterprise National Council, and the Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program. TLC's Headquarters is based in Inwood, W.Va., and has additional offices in Colorado, Minnesota, and Singapore.

About Tech Logic

For 25 years, Tech Logic has been the leading provider of innovative sorting technologies, circulation staff support tools, and patron self-service solutions for public and institutional libraries throughout North America. With hundreds of customers worldwide, Tech Logic promises to deliver the most thoughtful approach to the automation technology issues facing your library today. Tech Logic is proud to design, manufacture, build and support our solutions from our headquarters in Oakdale, Minnesota.