Every year, Sacramento Public Library moves 2.4 million items across our 28-branch system. Every one of those items item is sorted and redistributed at our Central Library.
How do we do it?
We use a machine called the Automated Materials Handling System (AMHS). Our Collection Services team sorts 8,000-10,000 items each day. Items like books, DVDs, and video games are placed onto the machine’s conveyor belt. The AMHS scans the RFID tag for delivery instructions and sends it to the bin assigned to its destination branch. Every morning, our logistics team loads the bins onto our trucks for branch delivery, where staff place them on the hold shelf or redistribute them in the stacks.
We’ve been using the AMHS at the Central Library since 2017. It’s served us well, but it’s time for an upgrade.
This summer, we’re expanding the AMHS at the Central Library to make this process more efficient and help us get materials to you faster.
How will this impact library service?
We will take the AMHS offline July 9-14 for the expansion.
During this time:
- Library staff will manually process and sort holds.
- We will continue daily deliveries but with a smaller volume.
- Patrons can expect longer wait times to pick up holds at their branch.
Once the AMHS is back up and running, our staff will be working hard to sort all materials and get distribution back to normal as soon as possible.
Why are we expanding the AMHS at Central?
The expansion allows staff in the branches to process items in batches. Currently, branches receive one bin with both redistribution on library shelves and hold items. After the expansion, every branch will receive two separate bins, one for redistribution materials and one for holds.
Do any other other locations have an AMHS?
Yes. We have smaller AMHS machines at North Natomas, Elk Grove, Valley Hi-North Laguna, and Rancho Cordova Library. We hope to add them to Martin Luther King, Jr. and North Sacramento-Hagginwood in the future. These smaller machines sort collection items at that specific branch to either be reshelved or sent back to Central Library to go through the main AMHS again.
What will the new AMHS look like?
The AMHS will be expanded with seven new sort segments for increased processing ability. It will be raised higher and centered in the room to make the space more efficient for library staff.