NEWPORT BEACH : Libraries to Make Computerized Calls
People who put books on reserve at the Corona del Mar and Balboa branch libraries will get computer-generated phone messages from the local library beginning in November.
The new Electronic Notification System in Newport Beach libraries will let people know when they can pick up books on reserve. Eventually, the system will also alert borrowers when their books become overdue.
The $7,000 system uses a computer with taped messages from the library staff.
“There is no question this is a change,” said LaDonna Kienitz, city librarian. “We are anticipating that this will be very successful. It is already being used at some public libraries nationwide.”
The notification system may be expanded by the end of November to the Newport Center Library and the Mariner’s Branch Library.
The system is expected to free librarians for other tasks and to save thousands of dollars in printing and postal costs.
With the help of a database cardholders’ phone numbers, the computer can call homes. If no one answers, the computer can leave a message on an answering machine. If the phone is busy, the computer can call back as many as four times. If all that fails, a paper message will be mailed.
To ensure that the library has correct home phone numbers, library users are being asked to fill out phone number verification forms. For more information, call (714) 644-3191.
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