Did you get a chance to attend the Nov. 16, 2023, Members Matter Meeting? IHLS Delivery & Facilities Director Colleen Dettenmeier gave a presentation on the automated material handler system (AMHS) and held a question and answer session. Presentation starts at approximately 00:27:11. Audience Q&A starts at 15:42.

Several questions addressed the possible re-barcoding of library materials if IHLS decides to proceed with the AMHS. At this time, we are in the research phase of the AMHS and there will not be a decision if we are moving forward until approximately May 2024. IHLS staff have decided that there will not be a formal policy on exact barcode placement, although a decision of a recommended placement has not been made. The only requirement for SHARE-member materials to be sent through the machine is that barcodes would need to be placed on the outside of the materials on the front or back cover (not on the spine), unless your items have RFID tags; if you are a SHARE member library that uses RFID, you will not need to re-barcode if you have inside barcodes.

Stay tuned for a short survey about your library's need for IHLS staff to assist in re-barcoding and the loaning of barcode duplicators, expected in January.

Questions about this topic can be sent to our Delivery and Facilities Director.

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