Projects

2016-2017

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

Library Automated Materials Handling (AMH) and RFID Consultation

Engagement with Charlotte Mecklenburg as they plan their transition from barcodes to RFID and from manual processing to automated materials handling.  They Library is in the unusual position of having to renovate one of the branches and will introduce their first automated materials handling system there. In order to plan how best to transition to RFID systemwide and how best to use automated materials handling, Lori Ayre has worked with the Library to evaluate potential vendors.  With Ayre's support, the Library has selected an AMH vendor and will roll-out a longer term plan for implementing RFID in a way that will reduce the workload for Library staff throughout the transition.  The project is ongoing.

2015-2017

Peninsula Library 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.

2017

Cambridge Public Library

Library Automated Materials Handling (AMH) Consultation

Cambridge Public Library was in the process of renovating two of their branches, Main and the Valente branch.  Lori Ayre was brought in to work with the architects on both projects to help the Library identify ways to improve the materials handling workflows at each of the libraries. In both cases the architect teams were well into the Design Development phase so the options were limited as to what could be done. Materials handling considerations especially when automated materials handling is being considered should happen early (Schematic Design) so as to provide the most affordable options for optimizing workflows.

2016-2017

San Mateo Public Library

Library Automated Materials Handling Consultation and Procurement

Worked with San Mateo Public Library to replace the existing automated materials handling system with a state-of-the-art system.  Project involved consultation related to RFID and automated materials handling configuration options and includes development of RFP, guiding the library through the procurement process and assisting with selection of a new system.

The existing system was installed in 2006 and provides convenient patron returns from numerous locations including drive-up returns, outside walk-up returns and two inside returns. The project will include evaluating options for retaining some of the conveyance and only upgrading the sorter as well as full-scale replacement of all components.  Ayre worked closely with the team to develop specifications for the new system and guided them through the procurement process.  The new system has been successfully implemented and is now up and running.

2017

The Newberry Library, AHCB Website

Website Development - Atlas of Historical County Borders

Historians and genealogists searching for historical records can often be challenged by geographical changes over time.  As county and state borders have shifted throughout US history, locating physical records can be tricky.  Over ten years ago,

2016

Washington County Cooperative Library System

Library Consortium Central Sorter Automated Materials Handing System Consultation

This was a follow-up engagement with WCCLS after the initial project in 2010 when numerous recommendations were provided related to their delivery, materials handling, and RFID and library automated materials handling and self-service systems.

2015-2016

City of Pleasanton Library

Library RFID and Self-Service Consultation

2015-2016

Library Information Network of Clackamas County

Library Consortium RFID and Automated Materials Handling Consultation

2015

Greenville County Library System

Library Automated Materials Handling (AMH) Consultation

Working with the architectural firm, McMillan | Pazdan Smith, Lori Ayre provided expertise related to RFID, automated materials handling, and workflow optimization.  Ayre assisted the architectural team with cost estimates, sizing and layout recommendations, sorter design, and material handling workflows.

2014-2015

Carlsbad City Library

Library RFID and Materials Handling Consultation and Procurement