Project Context
Originating in 1925, Suide County Zizhou Library played a pivotal role in awaking people’s sense of democracy during China’s New Democratic Revolution, contributing significantly to the revolutionary cause as one of the "Three Old Libraries" of the Shaan-Gan-Ning Border Region. The library wants to continue its mission today of inspiring lifelong learning and enriching social and cultural experiences by introducing intelligent equipment, expanding beautiful reading space, and improving the public services for all users.
Solution
Partnered with INTECH, Suide County Zizhou Library got a newly smart library space with many device updates that can best serve the community. Patrons saw that the library works smarter than before with a suite of intelligent equipment there, such as self-service kiosks, return bins, security gates, book sterilizers and more. The embedded software developed by INTECH offered complete compatibility with the existing library ILS and provides remote monitoring and diagnostics. The entire self-service process is fast, user-friendly, increases efficiency, and fosters greater engagement for all users.
Result
Two compact self-service kiosks were placed near the entryway to offer self-service. They are available in an RFID and Barcode configuration to detect multiple items. During the self-check transaction, the unit provided an exceptionally clear touchscreen interface for patrons to ensure an enjoyable and successful self-check experience. With a self-checkout kiosk right there, staff members can rove the floors at any given time to have meaningful interaction with patrons. They were also outfitted with two return bins close by, which allow the books to fall on the spring–loaded bottoms of bins, making returns simpler for patrons and staff.
People pay more attention to health protection in a post-pandemic era, however, we know library books are well adapted for carrying pathogens during circulation. To address this public health threat, two INTECH book sterilizers were introduced to the library, enabling patrons to self-sanitize books after checking out library books. With UV rays, book sanitizing machines eliminated the dust, viruses, and bacteria from books without damaging them in just a few seconds. Book sterilizers were welcomed by patrons, and library staff said they are just a no-brainer to add to their environment for those customer-centric libraries.
The library opted for INTECH’s dual-aisle security gates with direct mount installation to blend into its environment. The gates detected and identified only library items attached with RFID tags that had not been properly checked out. At that time, the audio and visual alarm would trigger to provide immediate feedback for staff and patrons. The sleek and reliable RFID security gates became the vital anti-theft parts of the library security system to protect its valuable assets as well as enhance patrons’ experience.
To unlock the library’s full potential for digital services, two e-book reading monitors were placed alongside the library information station. With the reading monitors out there, patrons can browse through the library catalogue and access digital resources immediately, keeping them at their fingertips instead of having to go back and forth through shelves to find what they’re looking for. This instant access is a lot easier than you might think, which makes the patrons' experience even better with intuitive and engaging features. The idle screen also offers library event calendars to share messages and increase discovery within the library.
With the quick filling up of the modern and intelligent equipment, the Suide County Zizhou Library found an efficient way to serve its patrons. It was a big help for the library, and the Suide County community as well.
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