Large Scale Deployment of PocketCirc

The successful implementation of PocketCirc at the County of Los Angeles Public Library demonstrates effectiveness on a broad scale and with diverse possibilities. I first fell in love with PocketCirc in January 2007 but alas it was not available on our integrated library system. A year later at ALA Midwinter, SirsiDynix announced this upgraded service for its Horizon clients and since that time, SELCO has both tested and used this handy device. Today’s session offered expanded potential.

PocketCirc incorporates a ruggedized PDA with a barcode scanner that transforms inventory from labor with a cart, laptop and barcode scanner and maybe even a long power cord into a sci-fi-like mobile task. (Think interstellar travel with Captain Kirk or Commander Data using their tricorders.)

Migell Acosta, Head, ILS Operations at the County of Los Angeles Public Library discussed the technology at play – Windows CE, Active Sync, scanner drivers – and the need for sys admin and network managers to work together for the effective use this tool both offline and online. He candidly shared that the devices (which are complicated) are slightly more prone to problems than the average laptop so if buying quantities (and he counts anything more than 12 as a quantity) to definitely buy backups. Likewise, when considering quantities, the library or library consortium should also implement management tools for remote diagnosis and performing upgrades. Acosta recommends, MobiControl from SOTI.net, which like Active Directory enables remote authentication, as well as security and asset management.

As an inventory tool, it not only checks shelf items with holdings data but catches, mis-shelved items, holds, lost titles, or out-of-order volumes. If working online, all this happens in real time without needing to shuffle books back to the workroom or perform uploads at a later time. Of course the choice of online or offline is just that --- the choice of the user depending on workflow, timing, etc. But the tasks PocketCirc can handle don’t stop with inventory. Consider:

• Back–up check outs when circ stations are full. What a boom to moving kids in and out of the library after a class visit. Or (thinking outside the circ box) replacing circ stations so staff can check out items while roaming the library helping users.

• Circulation on the bookmobile and even “back room” tasks for those rare times when things are slow on the road.

• Using PocketCirc offsite at infrequent satellite locations such as a visit to a classroom or with outreach work during a regular trip to the assisted living center.
  

• Real time patron registration although a bit clunky this could be useful in a pinch.

• The Library even used PocketCirc to match new acquisitions for an opening day collection with accounting records.

For whatever task might need a list of barcodes, there is probably a way to use PocketCirc to save valuable staff time and provide improved customer service.

Cross posted to SELCO Librarian