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G2S Project Code: 2018-NV-81729
State: Nevada
Fiscal Year: 2018
Grantee
Mybrary (Elko-Eureka County Library System)

Project Director
Director Name: Annette Robinson
Director Phone: 775-738-3066
Director Email: arobinson@elkocountynv.net
General Information
Title: allCIRC Disc Management Self-checkout Expansion
State Project Code: 18-03
Start Date: 07/01/2018
End Date: 06/30/2019
Abstract: The Elko County Library (the main branch hereafter referred to as "Library") purchased three new shelving units for our DVD collection, purchased a new allCIRC and purchased equipment to update our current allCIRC. The allCIRC is an automated dispensing vault for CD/DVD/Blu-Ray media, with a built-in patron self-checkout system. Our specific goals of the project was to increase access and availability of DVD materials to the Elko Community and provide a self-checkout service to our patrons. The Library previously had an allCIRC that was outdated and had many technical issues. These issues caused patrons to become frustrated. The Library previously had 946 cataloged DVDs, but could only put 600 out at a time. We achieved our goals with this project. The procurement of the DVD
shelving units and allCIRCs we now have 1251 DVDs available with approximately 200 DVDs checkout on any given day. Also, the allCIRCs provide the Library with more checkout stations allowing for better service.

State Goal: Goal 4: Build capacity of libraries to meet evolving information access needs.
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$26,873.13
$0.00
$2,857.50
$29,730.63
Intent(s)
Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.
Library Infrastructure & Capacity
Collection Development & Management
Activities
Activity Details
Title: allCIRC and shelving
Narrative: The Elko County Library purchased three "MAR-LINE Waterfall CD/DVD Display" shelving units light oak in color, with add-on drawers from DEMCO. We also purchased one new allCIRC media dispensing and self-checkout unit and new hardware for existing allCIRC unit from LatCorp (Library Automation Technologies, Inc.).

Intent: Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.

Activity: Procurement
Mode:
Format:


Quantity
Number of equipment acquired: 3
Number of acquired equipment used: 3
Number of hardware items acquired: 2
Number of acquired hardware items used: 2
Number of software items acquired: 0


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: Elko-Lander-Eureka County Library System
Address: 720 Court St.
City: Elko
State: NV
Zip: 89801
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
1. Easier for patrons to access more materials: The new shelving units and two allCIRCs have allowed for an increase in DVD materials available for patrons to checkout since we can now have 1200 DVDs secured in the two allCIRCs and new shelving units accommodate more DVD cases which allows for all DVD materials to be located in one location. 2. Spanish speaking patrons utilizing Spanish function on allCIRC: This was an unexpected surprise; more Spanish speaking patrons are utilizing the allCIRCs due to better visibility of the Spanish mode on the allCIRCs. 3. Physical access is easier for patrons: Shelving unit design allows for elderly and disabled patrons to see all materials more easily. It allows for less bending and stooping and patrons don't need to pull drawers out to access all DVDs. 4. Enhanced visual/audio components: The allCIRCs have larger screens and better speakers than our outdated unit allowing for patrons with visual and hearing deficits to access materials. 5. Improved customer service: Staff have more time to offer individual help to patrons with computers skills, databases, reference questions, and with accessing e-books. 6. More check out stations: The two allCIRCs help to accommodate busier times, allowing patrons to use them as lsel~checkouts. The Elko County Library received many comments throughout this project. After the installation of the new shelving and cataloging of our donated DVDs we received comments such as, "This makes it much easier for an old man. I don't have to get down on my knees to look at the bottom shelves," "It is much easier seeing all the titles that you have," "Wow, you have so many more movies to check out," and "I like that you have a lot more older movies." Also, we have a patron that is wheelchair bound and is a quadriplegic. He always likes to check out DVDs, but couldn't see all the titles we had before due to the previous DVD cases being contained in pull out drawers and stacked on top of each other. He would have to ask staff to flip through the DVD cases for him so he could make a selection or he would just ask staff to make a selection for him. He now can read all the titles without assistance and then just asks staff to get his selections out of the allCIRC. He has been very happy about being able to read the titles independently.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
After the installation of the allCIRCs, we have also had an increase of Spanish speaking patrons using them. The allCIRCs allow patrons to switch to Spanish speaking mode so they can check out their own materials. This function was on the outdated allCIRC, but due to the screen size and software's design, it was not easy to find. With the new allCIRCs the screens are much larger and the Spanish mode is more visible, so patrons are now using this function. Some other patrons' comments were, "I like the larger screen," "I like that she talks louder," and "It's nice you have another self-checkout station."
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
After installing the allCIRCs, we determined that it would have been easier to purchase two new units instead of purchasing one new one and refurbishing the other. We had many technical issues installing the components into the refurbished unit which could have been avoided had we purchased another new unit. LatCorp, the company that manufactures allCIRC, suggested installing the components in a used cabinet they had and have us ship back our existing allCIRC equipment to simplify the upgrade; however this was not explained during the quote and the cost greatly exceeded what was budgeted. This leads into the next lesson learned, which is to make sure that the company specifies every item on the quote. On our refurbished unit, LatCorp stated "complete upgrade on the internal component," and they listed some parts and then "other components replaced on Dlags." When we got the new components, there was no new touch screen monitor. Our existing monitor touch screen quit working about a month before the components arrived and we had to purchase a new touch screen monitor separately to get the refurbished unit working. Luckily, we had saved money on our shelving units which allowed for this purchase. Also, the new allCIRC unit did not come with a desensitizer, which we had requested be in the purchase. LatCorp forgot the desensitizer in their quote and we had to purchase that also. We will seek itemized quotes in the future for all components. We also learned patrons get confused now that we have two units. Now that we have more DVD titles we had to split the alphabet between the two units. The DVD cases are marked and signs are posted on each cabinet, stating what alphabet is in each allCIRC unit, but some patrons still go to the wrong machine to checkout DVDs. It would be nice to have one unit that could hold 1200 DVDs. Fortunately, this has been a minor inconvenience and most patrons have no problem using the machines once they are shown how the DVDs are spaced.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
Yes
Explain:
The Elko County Library plans on continuing this project into the future. Since this was a procurement we will be able to maintain this project for as long as the equipment functions. We will continue to monitor usage of the allCIRC system by patrons and determine through circulation statistics if a change in intent will be necessary. If intent changes, we would most likely change the location of allCIRC equipment to one of our other branches as needed. However, we would only look at doing this if we are able to purchase similar equipment that meets our patrons' needs. Additionally, with the purchase of the allCIRC, we have gained access to self-checkout software that can be installed on any device. While not part of our current project, our plan is to work toward implementing this self-checkout software at other branch facilities where feasible, which will help meet one of our five-year plan goals.
Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: