Library Automated Materials Handling Consultation for Library Remodel

Mississauga Library (Ontario) was finalizing plans for a remodel of the Central Library which was to include automated materials handling. The Library's couriers operate out of the Central Library basement, while the Circulation Dept operates on the main floor. The Library sought a thorough analysis of how best to implement materials handling for the Central Library operations as well as Courier operations. Lori Ayre provided the analysis and recommendations and worked through numerous design options with the design and Library teams.  Ayre is now working with the Library and City to procure the system.

Library Consortium Feasibility Analysis and Procurement for Central Automated Materials Handling

Peninsula Library System (PLS) is a consortium of nine libraries providing. PLS hosts a shared integrated library system (Sierra) and provides delivery services to 41 locations daily. PLS asked Lori Ayre to provide a feasibility analysis for implementing an automated materials handling system to replace the manual sorting done by couriers.  

Ayre evaluated the delivery volume, materials movement patterns, courier sorting, presorting done at the libraries, delivery turnaround times, and other aspects of the operation.  She provided the PLS Council with several options for consideration including adding a smaller sorter that would operate two waves of sorting, a larger sorter for sorting all material in one wave, providing batch check-in of incoming deliveries at the libraries, and adding an additional delivery day on the weekends.