In this second installment of her guest posts to our blog, Mary Anne Hodel provides more insight into how the Orange County (Florida) Library System has used technology to streamline services and save money.
--Dan Freeman
Recently, our library purchased a small number of iPod Touch devices. Since these devices function on our existing staff wireless network, they enable staff to handle a number of daily tasks conveniently at a relatively low cost. Without the need to get to a desktop or even a laptop, our staff can input statistics on patron interaction. For instance, we’ve automated our “reference statistics” function so that staff need only enter a few points of information into the iPod, then they can move on to the next patron transaction. We’re also able to do catalog searches, check for materials on the shelves and place holds, all while still physically in the stacks with the patron.
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