LA County Library Materials Handling and Distribution Assessment of Facilities Services and Logistics

LA County Library provides services to over 3.5 million residents living in unincorporated areas and to residents from 49 of the 88 incorporated cities within the County,
with a service area that extends over 3,000 square miles. Library houses a collection of 7.5 million books and materials, including DVDs and CDs, with an annual circulation of 3.3 million items. Each card-holder may request and hold up to fifty (50) items, which are then delivered to the patron’s community library through interlibrary loans within the LA County Library system, resulting in a total of 1.7 million annual holds. The Library has not implemented RFID.

The Library selected Lori Ayre to complete a comprehensive business process assessment of its current materials handling and distribution process, including a cost/benefit analysis for an automated materials handling system (AMH).

The engagement includes: 

• Conducting and documenting assessments, findings and recommendations in a roadmap/plan by which the Library shall restructure services for greater efficiency and effectiveness.
• Recommending adoption of other methodologies to enhance service where appropriate.
• Providing recommendations related to RFID
• Recommending changes to manage current investment in technology and equipment, as well as replacing systems, include automated materials handling systems.
• Drafting specifications for recommended technology and equipment and assisting in the procurement of these technologies.