Gail Borden board tables vote on auto check-in plan

The Gail Borden Public Library is considering a system that will automate check-in of the more than 2 million items library patrons borrow throughout the year. At a meeting of the board of trustees Tuesday, members tabled discussion of the $659,000 expenditure amid concerns about the cost.

Trustees Randy Hopp, Lisa Knight, Penny Wegman and Jean Bednar voted in favor of tabling the item until next month, when more information can be presented about paying for the system.

Library Director Carole Medal said automatic sorting would save more than 200 staff hours per week, eliminating positions and reducing workplace injury. For library patrons, it would mean better service.

“This would create an efficiency,” Medal said. “It would get items on the shelves faster.”

Library staff members brought the automated system before the board last year but the price tag was closer to $1 million.

Board president Rick McCarthy said his main concern with tabling the item at Monday’s meeting was that the price may go back up.

Information about the proposed payment plan will be presented at the July meeting in the context of the library’s working budget and put to a vote once again.