Bentonville Public Library Names New Book Sorting Machine
The Bentonville Public Library in Arkansas recently announced the name of its new automated book sorting machine: “Bookie Monster”. This moniker was chosen after a naming contest involving local residents.
“Bookie Monster is a fantastic name for the new sorter,” said Courtney Fitzgerald, the library’s senior circulation librarian. “It reminds us of one of the most beloved characters in pop culture, and it aptly describes the voraciousness of the machine.”
The machine, a nine-bin Tech Logic automated materials sorting system, uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to efficiently sort materials returned by patrons into different categories. It communicates with the library’s database to check items back in and alerts staff to inspect the materials before shelving them.
The naming contest received 114 submissions. A panel of librarians narrowed these down to 11 finalists, which were then put to a vote by library users. “Bookie Monster” emerged as the winner with 83 votes, beating out contenders like “ChewBOOKa”, “BEAST” (Book Eater and Sorter Too!), and “BOB” (Belly of Books).
The new sorter is anticipated to greatly increase the efficiency of library operations and free staff to focus more on serving patrons. The library will hold a ceremony to present “Bookie Monster” with a name tag in the near future.
- This improved sorter replaces an earlier three-bin machine and is part of the library’s effort to increase efficiency and better serve its patrons.
- “Bookie Monster” will save library staff a significant amount of time and allow them to concentrate on interacting with and helping library patrons.
The community has shown enthusiasm for the new machine, which was unveiled to the public recently. The library aims to hold a ceremony to officially present the name tag to “Bookie Monster” at a later date.
