Posted: Wednesday, December 9, 2009 8:13 am

The Christy-Houston Foundation has awarded more than $280,000 to Linebaugh Public Library System for the implementation of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, to help boost efficiency and allow staff members to spend more time working one-on-one with its patrons.

Along with the Radio Frequency system, the library will be able to purchase some much-needed items that were not funded in the normal operating budget.

RFID will allow for materials to be checked out and returned faster, which helps put the items into the hands of library patrons more quickly. RFID will also enable the library system to exercise better control of the materials in its collection, by allowing it to more easily conduct inventory.

Linebaugh is still in the process of selecting which RFID system to use; a timeline for implementation is being developed.

"We want to say, many thanks to the Christy-Houston Foundation for their generous donation. Their forward thinking will allow our library system to provide faster, more dependable service to our patrons by providing this latest technology," said LPLS Director Rita Shacklett.

Grant funds will also be used for:

* new materials for all LPLS branches. Up to $20,000 will be spent to purchase books, audiobooks, and DVDs to replace existing materials which are out-of-date, worn out, or have been lost.

* a new microfilm reader/printer for Linebaugh Library's Historical Research Room, to replace the current 10-year-old machine.

* a new service desk for the Youth Services Department at Linebaugh Library. * a DVD cleaner, to extend the life of the library system's DVD collection.

* a new public copy machine for Linebaugh Library. * replacement computers and other equipment.

Click here to read a break history of Linebaugh Library.