For Immediate Release
CLA / Information Today Award for Innovative Technology 2008 Awarded to
Richmond Public Library
(Ottawa, May 2, 2008) - Richmond Public Library is the winner of the
2008 CLA/ Information Today Award for Innovative Technology. The
Library’s DVD Dispenser provides a new level of service to its
customers in the fastest-growing segment of public library
lending. At the same time, it has taken advantage of significant
efficiencies in materials handling, security and inventory
control.
Richmond Public Library is the first North American library to adapt
Media Bank’s DVD dispenser technology for use in a library
setting. Two dispensers manage a collection of more than 2,000
DVDs. Library staff have integrated Media Bank’s software
into their own Integrated Library System using the SIP2
protocol.
The Award Committee agreed that the project demonstrates each of the
Award’s criteria:
- innovation/use of technology to clients served
- benefit of innovation/use of technology to information
community
- impact of innovation/use on library operations
- marketability of innovation/use
- impact of innovation/use on perception of the library/librarian in
the work setting and to the specialized or general public
The Committee especially felt that the Library should be commended
for their work in the first criterion, making technology and innovation
work to the benefit of clients served.
Richmond Public Library has a distinguished history of technology,
marketing, and process innovation. This is the fourth time they
have won the CLA / Information Award for Innovative
Technology. Award Committee Chair Dean Frey commented,
“Public libraries across Canada and around the world know they
should pay attention to what is happening in Richmond.”
The Award is generously sponsored by Information Today, Inc. and will
be presented at the CLA/ACB 2008 National Conference & Trade Show in
Vancouver, BC, on May 24.
The Canadian Library Association/Association canadienne des
bibliothèques is Canada’s largest national and broad-based
library association, representing the interests of public, academic,
school and special libraries, professional librarians and library
workers, and all those concerned about enhancing the quality of life of
Canadians through information and literacy.
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Media Contact: Dean Frey, Director, Red Deer Public
Library
Tel: (403) 342-9102; E-mail: dfrey@rdpl.org
