Circulation Up by 2M as Hamilton Public Library Increases Automation

mk Sorting Systems Expected to Further Boost Volume

Bloomfield, Conn. — The Hamilton Public Library’s Central Library is the fifth location to install mk Sorting Systems products. An 11-bin sorting system with conveyors leading into the lower level of the library increases circulation and improves service by freeing staff from basic repetitive tasks. They now focus on more valuable services and provide more assistance to patrons with general inquiries.

“The sorters from mk at our four HPL locations have helped us increase circulation by 2 million items, freeing staff to provide more direct service,” recounts Paul Takala, Hamilton Public Library’s Director of Digital Technology. “We know that adding the sorting system to our Central Library will further increase our circulation. mk was chosen based on technical qualification, cost competitiveness, and a well- engineered custom design — giving our library great quality and value,” explains Takala.

“As Hamilton planned its Central Library renovation, we were approached to design a sorting system that maximizes limited first floor area,” recalls Markus Flory, President of mk Sorting Systems. “We proposed a system with a customized mk decline conveyor leading from the first floor lobby return stations to the library basement. This not only utilizes basement space in light of small first floor footprint, for high workflow efficiency, it also attractively integrates into the library’s design aesthetic,” continues Flory. This design element is achieved by enclosing the main floor equipment in transparent glass, giving customers a view of books as they transfer and sort.

Central Library opens in December with a grand re-opening in conjunction with the Hamilton Farmers’ Market scheduled for early February.

About Hamilton Public Library
The Hamilton Public Library (HPL) serves the 500,000 plus residents of the City of Hamilton with the Central Library, 23 branch locations and two Bookmobiles. With over 3 million in-person visits and 2.8 million on-line visits, Hamiltonians borrowed a record-breaking 6 million books, CDs and DVDs in 2009. For more information, visit www.hpl.ca, contact askHPL@hpl.ca or call 905.546.3200.

About mk Sorting Systems
mk Sorting Systems, a subsidiary of the mk Technology Group, develops and installs user-friendly self service, sorting, book dispensing and RFID solutions for libraries. mk offers individual, customized automation solutions designed to meet each library’s specific needs.

For sales and marketing information, contact Kristin Vogel, Sales and Business Development Consultant at 1-860-760-0438 or by e-mail at kristin.vogel@mk-solutions.com. Visit mk Sorting Systems on the web at www.mk-solutions.com.