Library Automation - Not Boring, Just Epic

I'm guessing that most of you aren't exactly new to Library automation.  This method of making the day-to-day operations for Library professionals like yourselves more efficient has been around for a few decades now.  And while those internal changes have always proven useful, I would dare to say that it's been in the past decade or so that they've really taken on a new life and in some ways new meaning.  This past week there seemed to be a bit of a buzz about Library automation, what it means and how to achieve it on some of the Library facebook groups that I frequent.  And that got my own wheels to turning.  I know it's important in the ultimate function of the Library, but how does it effect the way your Library looks and feels?  That's what I want to cover this week!

There are benefits a-plenty when it comes to automation.  Just to name a few:

• Saves time for patrons
• Accessibility for patrons
• Saves time for Library pros
• Gives you the ability to share resources
• Creates easy-to-find information
• Reduces human error
• Gives added protection to materials that need to be handled less
• Creates additional space in the Library

And I'm sure there are tons more that you would add to this list that I haven't even covered.  But these automation benefits are mostly internal.  So how can Library automation become a more intentional Library design benefit as well?  And how can you design your Library space to maximize the benefits and visibility of your automation resources as well as the newly-freed-up spaces.  In order to explore that further, let's look at what types of Library automation are most common and even more useful.

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 Some of the most-used automation resources are:

• Card catalogs to the OPAC system
• Email automation
• Overdue reminders
• Expired card reminders
• E-books and audiobooks
• Interlibrary loan services
• Self check stations

There are plenty more but I want to focus on some of the ones that effect physical space.  Let's start with the obvious OPAC system.  I imagine most of you have been without your trusty card catalog furniture for quite some time now.  Granted, on a side note, I have read where some of you do still have yours and use them for other purposes; which I love by the way.  The removal of the card catalog obviously freed up a tremendous amount of space when the OPAC system was brought into the Library to fill it's position.  

Pieces like this are the best example of how a large service can be reduced down to an electronic service that allows for more space that can serve your patrons better.  These spaces can be freed up for reading space, study rooms, special programs and the list is endless.  

Another piece of automation equipment that I find in most every Library now is the self-check computer system.  This one saves people so much time and it really seems to make a huge impact on Library tasks.

Placement, of course, is crucial.  We often discuss the necessary locations of the OPAC systems when designing a new Library space or renovating an existing building.  Most people place them somewhat near the circulation desk in case someone needs assistance, but for the most part I see them cozied up near the holds shelves since that seems to be the most common patron use for them.  It's just such an easy in and out when you can get your automated email notification or text message letting you know your material is ready, followed by a quick stop at the Library to grab your hold, check it out yourself and walk out the door.

This is a great time to make the most of your announcement space and book display areas.  Patrons grabbing holds may just be on a time constraint but are still interested in what else is going on at their local Library sometime in the near future.  They may also have their eyes peeled for their next great read.  So don't miss this opportunity to capitalize on some of that free space.

E-books and audiobooks help free up space too for Libraries that seriously need to weed out their collection.  I've seen Libraries reduce their music collections exponentially to none and some have pulled from their visual selections.  Online options are so popular.  They allow so many people to enjoy multiple aspects of their local Library.  And in my experience, this hasn't really cut down on Library traffic.  Readers still love to hold their books.  But freeing up physical space allows for more community programs to take place too.  This doesn't cause less work to take place.  Quite the opposite in fact.  Now Library pros must create and manage new connections for patrons that bring communities together like never before.

So make sure you're using that space in the best possible way.  Create private study areas out in the open and designate some open areas that can be reworked to meet the needs of multiple programs for your youth.  And don't forget your staff.  If you've freed up some space in your back-of-house areas, then think about how you might be able to make better use of those spaces.  Perhaps more personal staff storage or even work spaces.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Automation is nothing new.  We've been working to create more efficient ways to run our spaces since the beginning of time.  And now with technology being at the forefront of our culture, it's only natural that this would be the way of automation now.  The key is to identify how we can free up space and use it more economically and functionally to meet the new needs and demands of our patrons as well as our staff.