Old library embraces the age of automation

A story on two local NY libraries moves to upgrade outdated sytems.

Actually, the future\’s here in most libraries, but in Sullivan County, automation has taken awhile to catch on. For these and many rural libraries the move into the 21st century has been costly, with additional hardware, maintenance and staff time required to get books in the system.

A story on two local NY libraries moves to upgrade outdated sytems.

Actually, the future\’s here in most libraries, but in Sullivan County, automation has taken awhile to catch on. For these and many rural libraries the move into the 21st century has been costly, with additional hardware, maintenance and staff time required to get books in the system.The positives, both library directors say, outweigh the negatives. Of course, automation means checking books out with a computer, but now it\’s much quicker.
\”Before, we had a reserve list for our bestsellers,\” said Grahamsville director Joanne Gallagher. \”You\’d wait two months for a book. Now, today I can place a hold in the system and libraries will send me six copies on Thursday.\”