Board weighs technology investments, automated sorter and Hoopla costs amid tight budget

The board discussed technology investments and digital‑materials choices at its May 21 meeting, balancing options to reduce staff time with rising subscription and equipment costs.

Board members proposed extending the lifecycle of public computers from five to eight years for lower-wear, public-use machines that run on solid‑state drives; several machines are already being upgraded to Windows 11. The transcript records staff commentary that solid‑state drives are expected to last longer and that the library would still maintain a shorter replacement cycle for staff machines because a failure there would slow operations.

Members also discussed an automated material handler — described in the meeting as a conveyor system that checks in and sorts returns — and an inventory wand to speed item location. The automated material handler was characterized as roughly equivalent to one full‑time position in saved staff time, though board members noted it would require floor space and setup.

On digital collections, the board reviewed Hoopla usage and cost. The library’s budget currently includes $25,000 for Hoopla; the board discussed that other systems in the county are reducing Hoopla allowances (some to two checkouts per patron) because Hoopla charges per use. West Bend presently allows five Hoopla checkouts per patron. Board members asked staff to prepare pros and cons and the likely service impact if Hoopla were reduced or eliminated, noting some patron crossover to libraries that retain Hoopla.

Ending: Staff were asked to report back with usage, cost detail and alternatives (including OverDrive/Libby availability) to inform budget decisions.