2016-2017
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Library IT Technology Plan
Worked with library executive and IT teams as well as the County to develop a five year technology plan.
You are here
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
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
Assisted the Library in evaluating opportunities for implementing RFID and self-service technologies. Engagement includes developing procurement and implementation strategy and facilitating procurement process from RFP development to contract negotiation. Originally planned to include automated materials handling as part of the procurement but these plans were delayed due to plans related to library remodel and/or new building.
The Library is currently using Innovative Interface's Express Lane for self-check and will be comparing the benefits of adding RFID to their existing Express Lane systems versus moving to self-check systems provided by the RFID vendor.
2015-2016
Library Information Network of Clackamas County
Library Consortium RFID and Automated Materials Handling Consultation
Libraries in Clackamas County (LINCC) provides services to 13 independent partner libraries in Clackamas County. Primary services include a shared library system and courier services. As a result of our work with LINCC, the libraries now also share RFID self-service and materials handling equipment and LINCC staff manage these systems centrally.
The Galecia Group worked with LINCC to assess the materials handling processes and facilities at all member library locations as well as courier operations at LINCC headquarters. We then facilitated a decision-making process and provided consulting to consortium staff as they planned the procurement, provisioning and implementation of the new systems.
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
Consultation with Carlsbad City Library to evaluate their three branches for the purpose of upgrading their RFID and materials handling system. They had legacy tags (not compliant with current standards) and a very old sorter at one location. They were looking for help with options for upgrading their system while preserving their investment as much as possible.
2014-2015
Broward County Library
Library Materials Handling, RFID, and AMH Consultation
Wide range of consulting services related to RFID and automated materials handling including analysis of 33 of the Library’s 37 outlets, recommendations for AMH configurations at each location as well as identification of impediments to using AMH or RFID, cost-benefit analyses, market analysis of RFID and AMH vendors, case studies demonstrating best practices, and presentation of findings from study and recommendations.