Projects

Provided cost benefit analysis of RFID and automated materials handling solutions for reducing operating expenses and increasing customer service workflow efficiencies. Worked with library to re-envision interlibrary sorting and delivery operations.

Assisted with development of RFI/RFP to implement central, automated sort for all Massachusetts regional systems. Assisted with research, RFI and then RFP development, evaluation, and procurement. The project is a follow-up to the delivery evaluation performed in 2008.  

Conducted materials handling and collection management analysis. The project addressed space shortage issues, materials handling workload, how to reduce turnaround time and expand services, and ways to improve central delivery and sorting. The analysis will also included a comparison of RFID versus bar codes solutions and provide suggestions for how to implement AMH solutions into their libraries.

Worked with library during a transition period providing IT management mentoring and IT staffing consulting. Also provided guidance on some facility remodel projects. Contract began with evaluation of interlibrary delivery services.

Multnomah County was suffering from overcrowding.  There were too many books for the shelves despite their aggressive weeding protocols.  To assist in finding solutions, Lori Ayre conducted a comprehensive materials handling and collection management analysis resulting in multiple recommendations falling into six categories:

1. Automate the sort and delivery operations
2. Create an off-site, just-in-time storage and retrieval system that is integrated with the sort operation.
3. Add automated materials handling systems (sorters and self-service check-in) at the Central and regional libraries.
4. Add stand-alone bookdrops and expand the size of the Delivery team.
5. Make policy and procedures changes
6. Expand self-service options.

Evaluated staffing requirements for system office of MARINet, an organization providing shared catalog (and other services) for six libraries.

Managed Home Delivery Pilot project, a project funded by an LSTA grant to evaluate the cost and benefits of providing home delivery for library materials. Project was cancelled due to integration issues with integrated library system.

Contract began with evaluation of delivery service in the context of other services provided to METRO members. Analyzed costs associated with providing delivery and alternative approaches to improving service. Continued engagement to help METRO maintain excellent delivery service.

Evaluated delivery system and provided recommendations for reducing costs and planning for increases in volume while reducing staff costs.