Turku main library’s automated system for sorting returns will be replaced 2025. Work will start over May – June. The target is to adjust the machinery to meet the ever-growing numbers of returns and reservations.
The modification work will bring some temporary changes to the main library’s services and opening hours.
-The underfloor book conveyer that operates under the two library buildings, has been a unique system connecting the over 120-year-old library building with the new building completed in 2007. Library professionals have travelled far and wide to see it. Having weathered over 18 years it has also been a fairly long-lived system, tells Asko Autio, the Service Manager in charge of the library’s shared services.
Patrons’ borrowing needs have changed and the automated technology has been developed further over the past twenty years.
-For example, with the children’s collection the number of loans increases year by year. The pace of changes to come will hardly be any slower, so we are preparing for it by ensuring the new automated system will be as adaptable as possible, adds Mr Autio.
What will change?
These changes herald improvements for both customers and the library staff. Improvements will be seen in staff ergonomics, the fluency in in-library logistics, and in shortening the time it takes for the returned items to find their place on the shelf. The patrons will hopefully see the changes in faster and more reliable self-service machines that will also be gentler with returned items varying in size from CDs to boardgames.
The new self-service station will house the new machines in the Arts and Literature Department. The self-service returning machines in the new library building will change, too and there are plans to replace the old conveyer system with robotics.
Equipment suppliers have been asked to make a proposal on how to convey the ever-growing number of returns back to respective departments with delivery robots. Furthermore they have been asked to provide a plan on how to replace the old self-issue borrowing machines in children’s area Saaga with a child-friendly automated system with an option to return items, too.
Changes taking place now
The modification work begins in May when the old self-service returning machine in the lobby of Bibliotheca and the underfloor conveyor between the two buildings will be dismantled. Because of this the library’s stock collection stored in the basement will be out of use from May 19th onwards. Please, check the availability in the Vaski Online Library. Parts of the library floor must be opened up for dismantling the conveyor and during this phase the Main Library will be closed for customers from 7th through 9th of June 2025.
Self-service returning machines will be in use in the new library building in the autumn until new equipment has been installed. Precise date for the installation will be given after the bidding process ends in August. Further changes that may have an effect on opening hours or available services will be published online on library web page turku.fi/kirjasto.