COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. — The Collierville Library is opening two days early after being closed all week for a construction project in the lobby.
Officials said the installation of new Radio Frequency ID (RFID) gates will create a safety hazard and block restroom access.
The library closed May 16 and was supposed to reopen May 23, but they are ahead of schedule and it will reopen Saturday, May 21.
While the library itself was closed, staff was available to manage accounts, place holds on materials, and arrange curbside pickups.
The Collierville Library will reopen Saturday for regular hours, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. After Saturday, they'll be back on schedule Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The project is still in process and will continue through next week with the installation of the security gates and self-checks. Library staff want everyone to use caution as they enter the middle part of the building around the orange cones.
To learn more about the improvement project, visit: colliervilletn.gov/Home/Components/News/News/1038/16
The following is more information from the library:
Improving how the Library serves the Collierville community
Since January, Library staff has been working on an RFID (Radio Frequency ID) conversion project. Each book, audiobook, DVD, and kit has been programmed with an RFID tag. This conversion will give greater accuracy in locating library materials and provide faster check-in and check-out.
What exactly is an RFID tag?
RFID tags serve the same purpose as a barcode or a magnetic strip on the back of a credit card or ATM card; it provides a unique identifier for that object. It is one small, programmable tag that delivers a new way to perform multiple tasks more efficiently.
In contrast to barcodes and magnetic strips, RFID labels can be read over a distance and simultaneously.
“This brings enormous advantages to our library! It reduces the amount of time required to perform circulation operations. Books can check in and check out all at once, rather than one by one,” said Lisa Plath, Collierville Library Director.
New RFID Security Gates will be installed. The gates come with people counters that provide reporting as well as alerts for staff when a book did not check out properly – showing the specific titles that were missed.
The Library’s one self-check machine, in use since 2008, will be replaced with two new RFID self-check machines, making self-service easy and user-friendly. These new machines will speed up borrowing procedures resulting in shorter lines. Checking books in and out becomes easier when you scan all books with just one touch.
“Our primary goal is to offer the best Library patron experience possible. Thank you for your patience as we continue to improve your library,” said Lisa.
