Daniel Boone Regional Library closing libraries to install new check-out technology first two weeks in January

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Daniel Boone Regional Library is closing libraries in Ashland, Columbia, Fulton and Holts Summit to install new check-out technology over the first two weeks in January.

Each library will be closed while its collection is being converted over to the new system. During the closures, curbside pickup, online chat, outreach services and the bookmobile will continue as usual.

“We were fortunate to receive an LSTA grant through the Missouri State Library to fund the switch to RFID (radio frequency identification) technology that will speed up the check-in and check-out process for patrons,” said Margaret Conroy, Executive Director of DBRL in a release. “Many other libraries across the country have been using this technology for a while and their patrons like how convenient it is.” This project is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.

“We’ll be tagging all of the books, music CDs, DVDs, kits and other items in our collection so that they are recognized by an RFID tag reader, which can scan multiple items in a stack at once,” said Nathan Pauley, technical services manager at DBRL. “The new technology automatically and uniquely identifies each item and lets us better manage the library’s collection.” Library staff will be tagging more than 440,000 items system-wide.

The closing schedule is as follows.

• January 6 - Callaway County Public Library in Fulton
• January 7 - Holts Summit Public Library
• January 10 - Southern Boone County Public Library in Ashland
• January 11-13 - Columbia Public Library