In this week’s Princh Library Blog, recurring guest writer Nina Grant discusses how recent advancements in technology have changed the way libraries handle inventory. Enjoy!

Nowadays, technology makes everything easier, even when it comes to managing books and resources in libraries. Libraries have transformed from old buildings piled high with books to techy and modern hangouts, but what we often forget is that, partly, this is thanks to advancements in inventory management.

Automated tracking

Automated tracking basically allows you to keep tabs on all the books in a library, so instead of librarians manually counting and searching for books, they will now use RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. And what’s truly mind-blowing is that RFID chips attached to books will allow staff to scan entire shelves in seconds. As a result, it turns out that libraries that use automated tracking have reported a great reduction in time spent on inventory management, which means more time for librarians to help patrons find the next great read or host fun events. Tracking books in a library is a big deal for obvious reasons, but it does more than just prevent books from getting lost—it also cuts down on mistakes and speeds up the search process for everyone. With good tracking, finding a book becomes quick and hassle-free, which means a better experience for both librarians and readers.

Real-time inventory updates

Wouldn’t it be great if you could walk into your local library and know that you can find the latest bestsellers available without lifting a finger? That dream can become a reality through real-time inventory updates. Libraries that adopt systems allowing instant updates will enjoy a wealth of benefits; for instance, when a book gets checked out or returned, its status gets updated in real-time. This feature allows librarians to give patrons accurate information on what is currently available, which decreases the chances of disappointment when someone shows up hoping to check out a book that is already checked out.

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Periodic audits bring peace of mind

Even with all the fancy tech, nothing beats good old-fashioned audits. Libraries need to conduct periodic audits so that everything matches up with the catalog records.  These audits help to spot discrepancies and missing items, which allows libraries to take action and find out what’s happening behind the scenes. Before the tech boom, libraries might conduct these audits once a year, but now they do them more frequently, simply because it’s a lot easier.

A hidden tool of inventory management

Asset tagging is another useful tool in the inventory management toolbox. When libraries set up an asset tagging system, they imprint unique identifiers on each item in their collection. With this process, every book, magazine, or resource has a specific code associated with it. Think about it this way: when a book has a tag, its whereabouts become easy to track. If someone misplaces it, librarians can quickly track it down using the system. What’s also a great perk is that asset tagging adds an extra layer of protection, which makes it harder for items to go missing.

Hold queue management

Hold and reservation management in libraries might seem straightforward, but it plays a huge role in keeping things running smoothly. What this means is that when a popular book is in high demand, a reliable system for holds and reservations makes it possible for everyone to get their turn. Without this, books could easily get tied up, which can lead to long wait times and frustrated patrons. This system also helps librarians keep track of inventory, as they know which books are in high demand and can make decisions about purchasing additional copies. And, it reduces the chaos of misplaced or forgotten holds.

As libraries continue to adopt new technologies, they will become even more crucial community spaces where everyone can discover the joy of reading. So, the next time you step into a library, you can appreciate the tech that’s quietly working to enhance your experience before you’ve even picked up that next great book.

We will be back with another interesting article from the library world soon!

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