Automated Retrieval Systems

This is for libraries that have Automated Retrieval Systems. There is a lot of fun to be had, here.

These systems come with robotic crane(s) that go to the specified bin and return it and the desired item to staff who send it to be checked-out. Have you named the crane(s)? Santa Clara University did. They had a school wide contest and the winning entry for the three cranes was Stephen, Hart and Ichabod!

How many items have your crane(s) retrieved? This could also be a school wide contest. Offer some parameters on the number of retrievals, i.e., no less than x, no more than y. If you have a viewing area for the crane(s) invite people in to watch them in action and gauge the numnber of retrievals in whatever period they are watching. Have a spot on your Web Page where people can easily learn about the contest and submit their entries via a web form. The winner is the person who comes closest to the actual number of retrievals without going over. The prize could be as simple as a picture with the crane(s) and the opportunity to operate them (under appropriate supervision, of course). In Santa Clara's case, I would also recommend copies of The Red Badge of Courage, Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and/or a book of Hart Crane's poems.