[MSN] Library to get new security, checkout system.

[Museum Security Network Mailinglist]

Library to get new security, checkout system
Sunday, September 17, 2006

By Karen Kane, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The director of Cranberry Public Library was faced with a pair of problems:
A malfunctioning security system and a double-digit boost in demand for
services, creating more pressure for an already-bustling staff.

"We were considering hiring another employee," Carol Troese said, but that
would do nothing for her first problem and would create a new problem, where
to put another person in already cramped quarters.

"There's just no more work room space for additional staff," she said.

The dilemma produced a recommendation that has been approved by Cranberry
supervisors. A combination electronic security and electromagnetic
self-checkout system will be purchased at an estimated cost of $50,000. The
board gave the go-ahead Sept. 7 to seek bids. 

Ms. Troese said the existing electromagnetic security system is 12 years old
and has been malfunctioning.

"It needs to be upgraded," she said, noting that the system is the primary
method of preventing theft. Patrons walk through the gatelike security
system and a buzzer sounds if they are carrying any library property that
hasn't been checked out.

In addition to the security system malfunctioning more often, use of the
library is increasing.

Ms. Troese outlined statistics that showed Internet use increased by 25
percent between 2003 and last year; the number of patron library cards rose
from 19,522 to 24,319, also a 25 percent rise; circulation of materials
increased by 15 percent from 246,947 in 2003 to 283,733 last year; the
number of library visits increased from 178,152 in 2003 to 188,756 last
year, up by 6 percent; and the number of library programs rose by 53
percent, from 3,154 to 4,834.

Ms. Troese said the increasing use of the library translated to a need for
more staff or a mechanism that would reduce the pressure on workers. Given
that a new security system also was needed, the head librarian said, the
answer seemed to be the purchase of a self-checkout system that would
buttress a new security system.

Like customers in a self-checkout grocery line, library patrons will be
asked to check out their own books. The library will have two places where
circulation materials will be demagnitized so they don't set off the
security system buzzer, at the library exit and in the children's area.

Ms. Troese said workers would continue to check out patrons who are
uncomfortable with the new system. She hopes to have the new systems
installed in December. 


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----

(Karen Kane can be reached at kkane at post-gazette.com or 724-772-9180. )