Next time you visit the U’s Marriott Library, a new four-story robot might be able to help you find books.
The robot is one of three new systems the library has installed to make it quicker and easier for patrons to obtain information.
“We wanted to do everything we could to make the library experience best for users,” said Ian Godfrey, the library’s facilities and access services manager.
In fewer than five minutes, the robot can pull periodicals, government documents and books for patrons. Requested materials are held at the reserve desk.
The automated system makes less-used materials, such as periodicals students would only find through indexes or citations, more accessible, Godfrey said.
The retrieval system is located on the library’s west side and has a capacity of 2,000,000 journals. It is currently at half-capacity.
The new system isn’t without problems, though. Matt Hoecherl, a sophomore business major who works at the reserve desk, said the machine’s “reserve button” needs to be clicked twice, but some students don’t realize this and only click once.
“A lot of people think their requests go through, and their book isn’t actually here,” he said.
Students should learn through experience how to use the system, Hoecherl said.
The library has also expanded its documentary delivery service that digitizes user-requested periodicals or book chapters and delivers them via the Internet.
Although the service was previously exclusive to faculty, it is now accessible to graduate and undergraduate students.
Despite technological advancements the library has made, some users still enjoy retrieving materials on their own, Godfrey said.
The third new addition is the pull service, which allows users to request library materials from their home or office computer. Library staffers search for the items and hold them at the reserve desk.
Despite the new ease with which users can obtain material, the library will still store books on its shelves, Godfrey said.
“With the push to obtain everything digitally, I still like the idea that people are using our books and are interested in having that material as part of their research,” he said. “We heard from users that they enjoyed the chance for serendipity when they’re out in the shelves.”
Jarad ReddekoppThe Automatic Retrieval Center at the Marriott Library is the 14th system installed in the nation. When retrieving books, the ARC moves at speeds of 40 miles per hour.