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.
Evaluated materials handling operation including delivery and processing of deliveries at each branch, plus technical services. Provided recommendations for improving efficiency, automating sort, and reducing repetitive steps involved in processing materials. Assisted with planning for new building to house technical services and delivery operations.
Conducted materials handling analysis. Provided recommendations and projected payback periods for implementing automated materials handling and RFID technologies.
Compared costs and benefits of materials handling operations between two library branches that differed only in how they used automated systems to get the work done. Demonstrated a significant savings for library using automated materials return system.
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.
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 for 188-member library network and made recommendations for improving services and reducing costs.
Mick Fortune, of RFID-Changing Libraries for Good fame notes that the new data model standard released by ISO just a few weeks ago (ISO 28560) “presents both a threat and an opportunity for suppliers. The threat is obvious. Up until now it has proved too difficult for most libraries to switch suppliers once they have purchased an RFID solution.” With the potential for interoperability between RFID systems, the library RFID marketplace may soon face competition.
Workflow optimization is an important way to reduce costs and provide better services for patrons. With inefficient workflows, things take longer and cost more to get done. In addition, rethinking workflows is a critical part of the process of incorporating new technologies.
Presentation at Tampa Bay Library Consortium (TBLC) as part of their workshop entitled Any Means Necessary: Beyond Interlibrary Loans. Tampa, Florida.