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    December 8th, 2010LISWire aggregatorLISWire

    Bloomfield, Conn. — University of Toronto’s Robarts Library is engaging mk Sorting Systems to help improve patron service and provide easy self-service. New equipment frees staff from continuously checking in library materials to better serve patrons, including University students and faculty, with more valuable services. Robarts Library is the first of thirty-two branches at the University of Toronto to make such implementations.

    mk Sorting Systems created a custom solution allowing the University to keep its existing barcode labels and electromagnetic technology while enabling easy future RFID upgrades to accommodate the library’s plans. The system includes a state-of-the-art automated materials handling system ensuring a quick yet gentle return of library items. With two interior return stations located near the entrance of the library, patrons are able to complete a return or renewal on a patron-friendly touch screen system that offers full account privacy.

    “We wanted to improve the service to our patrons by providing 24-hour, reliable, and confirmed check-in of library materials. For library staff, the sorting component of this new system enables faster re-shelving and a change in focus toward enhancing other access services,” explains Lari Langford, Head of Access and Information Services at the University of Toronto Robarts Library. “The high quality and safety compliance features of mk's product and the innovative company profile are key factors in our decision,” adds Langford.

    “Robarts Library is looking to the self-service solution for better service in a fast-paced community by reducing library material wait times,” states Markus Flory, President of mk Sorting Systems. “We are happy to provide a hybrid return and sorting system compatible with barcode and electromagnetic security material, as well as with RFID, in order to provide the library with the flexibility of future RFID conversion without requiring any mk equipment modifications.”

    About the University of Toronto Libraries

    The University of Toronto Library system is the largest academic library in Canada and is ranked in the top five amongst research libraries in North America. The system consists of over 30 libraries located on three university campuses: St. George, Mississauga, and Scarborough. This array of college libraries, special collections, and specialized libraries and information centres supports the teaching and research requirements of 75 PhD programs, 17 professional faculties, and 120 undergraduate degree programs. In addition to more than 15 million holdings, the library system currently provides access to close to 70, 000 full-text electronic journals, over 700,000 electronic books, close to 900 indexes and abstracts, and over 5.000 online newspapers.

    About mk Sorting Systems
    mk Sorting Systems, a subsidiary of mk Technology Group, develops and installs user-friendly self service, sorting and RFID systems and book dispensing 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 email at kristin.vogel@mk-sorting-systems.com. Visit mk Sorting Systems on the Web at www.mk-sorting-systems.com.

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