Saturday, August 02, 2008

08/09 Capital budget - Library


I love the library and use it. And I realize this plan is for next year, but I'm far from sold on this project as described.

Tim White

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3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Why can't patrons scan barcodes like we do in grocery stores? How will this process increase space for a teen section and a quiet reading space?

August 02, 2008 10:44 PM
Anonymous said...

Why can't patrons scan barcodes like we do in grocery stores?

I know there's a lot of info here. I think the key phrase is in the first paragraph "(the current process) negates the possibility of patron self-checkout."

How will this process increase space for a teen section and a quiet reading space?

I'm uncertain about a new floor plan, but the general idea is (I believe) to remove the existing checkout counter... freeing up some floor space to shift things around and create the two new sections.

August 02, 2008 10:50 PM
Anonymous said...

As one who spent about 30 years in an industry which continuously made use of electronic systems to track the comings and goings of things I have to say I am quite skeptical that this expenditure is a one time thing for many reasons. Like our pool it is just the first of many.

Who is to say that 12 months from now some significant flaw will not be uncovered in this technology and its provider will then offer an upgrade to eliminate the flaw at each users expense? U. S. industry is replete with too many examples of this. Some years ago I personally witnessed some versions of keycard/biometric access systems that were not sophisticated enough to distinguish between a secure corporate ID card and random American Express cards. Of course the equipment vendor was as surprised as those who bought the less than adequately tested equipment.

Has a detailed benefit/cost evaluation been completed on this and shared with the council? If there are significant labor savings they will only become savings if labor is eliminated. I for one would rather see a less modern check out with real workers available to help library users. I don’t want some system which will remind me of the incredibly poor level of service provided by BIG BOX national chain stores that have implemented self service customer checkouts.

August 03, 2008 5:44 PM

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