NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:  January 23, 2006
Contact:  Sam Gnuse, Altamont Public Library Board President
Subject:  Altamont Public Library’s redesigned circulation desk complete

Recently, the Altamont Public Library’s staff welcomed a custom-redesigned circulation desk. This redesigned desk, which can comfortably accommodate two librarians and numerous library patrons, is helping the flow of library material being checked out as well as being returned. 

Librarian Beth Speers, along with staff members Karol Armstrong and Kris Logue, provided work-flow details which allowed Rich Ohnesorge to remodel the current desk into a well-thought out and designed circulation area.  The new area allows librarians to check out patron’s books and other library material in a more efficient and streamlined manner, and still allow patrons to put returning material into the slot placed into the front of the desk.  This improved traffic flow shortens the circulation process for checking out material, as well as reduced the risk for errors.

No longer will piles of books coming in and going out be stacked on the desk.  The new layout also makes a more efficient use of space behind the desk.  The librarians now have two separate areas for processing books electronically.  In a continuously evolving space, the new desk serves as a focal point, clearly identifying where patrons should bring their library materials. The library staff believe the new circulation desk will upgrade the image the Library staff send to our users, as well as speed up the process to check books back in and return to shelves.

The library staff are kept busy at the circulation desk – answering inquiries about material, supplying new and renewed library cards, payments for fines and lost items, answering the phone, checking in and out material, and assisting in finding material within the library.  Each month, the library processes over 1,000 patrons utilize the library’s many services.  Hundreds of books and other material pass over the circulation counter on a regular basis. 

The library continues to have a computer available to allow patrons to search it’s off-site library database.   This web interface allows library patrons to search for material, place holds and add to a list for future holds.  If you haven’t tried the interface yet, be sure to try it out.

For more information on the Altamont Public Library call 618-483-5457 or go to www.altamontpubliclibrary.com.

Librarian Beth Speers is shown working at the redesigned circulation desk at the Altamont Public Library.  The new desk has streamlined the circulation process.

Photo by Dona Strullmyer.

Marcella Zimmerman, left, is shown using the new Book Return slot in the circulation desk.  Beth Speers, librarian, is prepared to check out her new selection of material.

Photo by Dona Strullmyer.