Norcross, Ga. – Integrated Technology Group (ITG), a division of Vernon Library Supplies, Inc., in partnership with SirsiDynix, has expanded its client base to include its first major Canadian library system—the Hamilton Public Library in Ontario. By the end of 2009, Hamilton Public Library is scheduled to install a mix of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology applications in 19 of its 23 branches, as well as in the technical services department. The installations will include ITG’s Apex XpressCheck™ patron self-service kiosks and Apex FlexCheck™ staff stations.

“We realized that our staff members, who are highly educated, were unable to use their skills to their fullest extent to serve patrons because they were tied down with repetitive, manual tasks,” said Kit Darling, director of information technology and bibliographic services for Hamilton Public Library. “RFID technology has once again allowed our libraries to place a high value on personal relationships with our borrowers.”

The Hamilton Public Library system serves nearly 200,000 patrons in both rural communities and urban centers. Many of those patrons use the library’s online services to put items on hold and request shipment to their nearest local branch.

“The popularity of our online services resulted in our staff investing hours each day handling ‘on-hold’ items and shipping them,” said Darling. “The RFID technology has drastically reduced the amount of time it takes to process and fulfill patrons’ requests.”

The Hamilton Public Library staff, which is comprised of 198 full-time employees and 372 part-time employees, is now able to spend less time managing the library’s collection and more time assisting patrons.

“ITG is committed to supplying the best RFID technology and service to the Hamilton Public Library and all libraries in Canada. We are working to ensure that all ITG products work in a variety of library RFID environments, including Hamilton’s, where another vendor’s RFID applications had been used in a couple of locations prior to ITG’s involvement,” said Scott Hackstadt, chief technology officer for ITG. “The foundations of our technologies have been specifically developed to allow for optimal interoperability, a critical factor in our success at Hamilton. And, our partnership with NCR allows us to deliver and support an exciting range of new products quickly throughout Canada.”

In addition to being the first major Canadian library system to adopt Apex RFID, Hamilton Public Library will be one of the first libraries to install the new Medallion series Apex XpressCheck kiosks. These next generation kiosks combine ITG’s Apex XpressCheck software, a modern, sleek, furniture design, and NCR’s EasyPoint computer hardware and UI enhancements. With the Medallion series ITG delivers the easiest, fastest, most accurate self-checkout experience on the market.

About Integrated Technology Group

Integrated Technology Group (www.integratedtek.com) develops, markets, and supports library automation technologies that empower librarians to make operations more efficient and better serve their patrons. ITG’s products include patron self-checkout, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Automated Materials Handling (AMH) systems, computer reservations, and print cost recovery. With over 30 years experience in the library industry, ITG combines smart technology and progressive design to create standard solutions that can be easily customized to meet site-specific requirements. ITG, a division of Vernon Library Supplies, Inc., is headquartered in Norcross, Georgia.

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