White Bear Lake, MN – Oct. 16, 2008 – Patrons of the new North Vancouver City Library and Civic Centre (Canada) now access library resources while using the newest library technology.

That new technology includes Tech Logic's RFID-based security gates, staff workstations, Combo Station self-checkout systems, and an UltraSort sorting system with Hands-Free Book Returns.

Successful Opening Day

The Tech Logic systems made their debut at the library during its grand opening on Sept. 20. "Opening day was a huge success, with over 4,000 visitors," Vancouver Deputy Chief Librarian Wai-Lin Chee said. "The Tech Logic equipment held up well in the half day that we were open, checking in and checking out around two and a half times what we would normally do on an average 12-hour day. Customers found the new self-checkout stations easier to use, and the library looks forward to increased fines revenue from the Payment Stations attached to it."

Popular Self-Service

During the opening, patrons experienced the benefits offered by the Combo Station self-checkout systems. The systems are placed at the library's circulation desk; their location and dual screens enable staff to easily intervene if blocks occur.

Tech Logic's Personal Payment System is a self-service system that will help the library recoup fines. The PPS accepts cash, credit, or Smart Cards. The system speeds up self service by reading the patron's card when it's placed on top of the machine.

Fast Sorting to Assist Patrons and Staff

The new library's UltraSort broadens the library's self-service offerings by automatically checking in and sorting items. UltraSort includes an exterior Hands-Free Book Return and an interior Hands-Free Book Return. The patented Hands-Free Book Return makes returning items easy: patrons don't have to juggle an armful of books and hold a return door open at the same time.

The UltraSort starts with the two book returns. Conveyors at each return transport and "de-shingle" (or separate) items for fast, accurate check-in. From there, the conveyors merge into a check-in module, where RFID technology reads each item's identifier (coded in an RFID chip), and sorts based on the library's preference.

UltraSort can check in around 1,500 items per hour. It sorts all items into nine Smart Bins that have motorized floors that automatically raise or lower as books are added or removed. The ergonomic design of the Smart Bin prevents injuries to staff.