Our Library is automated. There isn't even a check out desk, just self-check out.

There are a few volunteers who will get you a library card, direct you if you have questions and they also re-shelve books. But I didn't realize how much automation there actually is in our Library.

I mean there is a robot that we see being tested in the Library occasionally, so obviously quite a bit, but I learnt about a little more...

Book Drop!

As we drop a book through the book return slot, there is a loud beep as it is logged as returned in the system. Then the books go down the conveyor belt, where they are automatically spaced out. They go up to the sorting station where they are dropped from the conveyor belt into the correct bin for their section. The volunteer then only has to sort the section's books, and re-shelve.

I've been dropping off books for months, how have I not noticed this before?