Libraries on the edge
By Wade KwonBirmingham-area libraries have geared up with new tech, making life easier for patrons and staff.
At Homewood Library’s checkout lines, self-service scanners have replaced the volunteer clerks who staffed them previously. Before, the branch had one scanner limited to books only — even though it featured a huge selection of DVDs, videos and video games.
If only they’d put them in at more supermarkets, big box stores and other retailers, I said. The librarian on duty replied, “Soon, they won’t need people.” But I countered, “Nope, we’ll still need ’em, but they won’t be busy with grunt work.”
At Emmet O’Neal Library in Mountain Brook, the audiobooks are now available on MP3. Even better, they come on MP3 players. (Didn’t check to see if they were iPod shuffles or a different lesser brand.)
Now if only they could send someone to pick up my books before they’re overdue …
Friday, November 4, 2005, 11:25 pm
But you can renew online before they’re overdue …
Sunday, November 6, 2005, 4:08 pm
The adorable Honduran children who write this blog for me always forget to renew my books on time.