Automated Material Handling Solutions for Libraries

Automate the sorting and routing of returned materials so your staff can spend less time on handling and more time with patrons.

Explore Popular AMH Products

A complete AMH system is made up of inductions, sorting modules, and destinations, all configurable to your library's layout and workflow. Browse the full range or start with some of our most popular products below.

Continuous Improvement: Lyngsoe Sort Mate™ 2000

The latest generation in the Sort Mate™ series brings together high-speed sorting, a fully modular design, and advanced controls that are straightforward to use. The same modules and software work across:

  • Branch sorters
  • Main library sorters
  • Dedicated central sorting facilities

Design Your Own Lyngsoe Book Sorter

All Lyngsoe sorters are modular, giving you a range of layout options to match your library's unique requirements. Whether you need a system with one destination or 100+, the design can be scaled to fit.

When determining the right size, the key factors are the number of returns you handle over time, the space available, and how many staff you want to allocate to material handling.

We are always happy to listen, advise, and help you design a layout that works for your library.

Guidelines for Defining Your Needs

Getting started with AMH can feel like a big step. To make the process easier, we have put together a guide that walks you through the key questions to consider. These range from how many returns you handle daily to whether you want to offer 24-hour returns. Working through these will help you define what your library really needs.

If you would like to talk through your requirements with one of our experts, we are happy to help.

 

Read the guide

Enhance Your AMH Setup

Every Lyngsoe AMH system is tailored to your library's specific needs. Depending on your setup, the modular system can be expanded with additional components designed to give you more control, streamline bulk handling, and adapt the system to your building.

Overview And Control

Lyngsoe Central Management™, Lyngsoe Sorter Controller™, and the Graphical Display System give you a real-time view of your entire system. Monitor performance, configure sorting rules, and keep an eye on operations across your library from one place.

Efficient Bulk Handling

Lyngsoe Automatic Tote Stacker™ removes the need for manual stacking by automatically creating transport-ready tote stacks. Lyngsoe Tote Check-In Server™ extends the reach of your central sorter to branch libraries, keeping track of tote contents and enabling batch handling across your system.

Fitting Your Building

Not every library is a single open floor. Lyngsoe Conveyors and elevation solutions make it possible to connect sorting systems across floors and around spatial constraints, so the layout of your building doesn't limit what your AMH system can do.

How Materials Move Through Your System

Every AMH system has two key components.

Inductions are where patrons or staff feed returned materials into the system. Lyngsoe Library Mate™ 1200, Library Mate™ 1300, and Library Mate™ 2100 cover everything from interior patron returns to exterior 24/7 drop-off points.

Destinations are where sorted items end up, ready for shelving or transport. Lyngsoe Ergo Bin™ and Lyngsoe Ergo Cart™ are designed to minimize lifting and make it easy to move materials from the sorter to the shelf.

Designed With Staff Health in Mind

Automation dramatically decreases the physical strain on your staff by handling the repetitive tasks that can cause joint and muscle fatigue. While shelving books still requires manual labor, Lyngsoe Ergo Cart™ and Lyngsoe Ergo Bin™ can significantly reduce this burden. Your staff are your greatest asset, and the right equipment can help protect their wellbeing over the long term.

 

Learn more about our ergonomics approach

Extend Your Setup with SSE and IMMS™ 

AMH works well on its own, and even better alongside Self-Service Equipment (SSE) and the Intelligent Material Management System™ (IMMS™). Together, they connect patron-facing returns, automated sorting, and system-wide inventory management into one coherent workflow

 

Explore Self-Service Equipment

Explore Intelligent Material Management System

Reliability and Service

When you install an AMH system, you are potentially servicing patrons around the clock, so it is important to trust both the product and the supplier behind it. Lyngsoe Sort Mate™ sorters are tried and tested across a long list of international libraries, and all our hardware and software is designed to be easy to operate, maintain, and service.

When you do need support, our team is ready to help. We offer a range of services ranging from on-site support to remote access and hotline assistance.

Learn more about our services

Take a Leaf from Their Book

View our case stories to find out how other libraries have improved their operations using Lyngsoe solutions.

From No Experience to Full Ownership at Varde Library

Varde Library had no experience with automated material handling, so they set out to learn the Sort Mate™ 2000 from the ground up. See how close collaboration with Lyngsoe, hands-on training and open communication made the sorter their own.

Automating Sorting for 17 Million Items a Year

Multnomah County Library's circulation grew to roughly 17 million items a year, and manual sorting could no longer keep up. See how Automated Material Handling and IMMS™ reduced physically demanding work and freed staff to spend more time with patrons.

Expanded Access at Mead Public Library

Mead Public Library needed pickup access around the clock without exposing staff to the cold. See how D-Tech's rear-loading Smart Lockers made it possible, and why Mead became the first library to install this design.

Modernizing Self-Service Pickup in a Historic Space

The German National Library needed a flexible self-service model that could work within two protected historic buildings. See how a tailored media locker system made it possible.

Keeping Shelves Full Across 19 Locations

Discover how Multnomah County Library uses IMMS™ to reduce manual work, save thousands of staff hours, and ensure patrons always find what they are looking for even with smaller local collections.

Shropshire Libraries Enhance Services with Lyngsoe LibDeco™ Kiosks

Shropshire Council enhances library services with Lyngsoe LibDeco™ self-service kiosks, improving accessibility, staff efficiency, and customer experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Lyngsoe Sort Mate™ 2000?

Can Lyngsoe Sort Mate™ 2000 adapt to my library’s space and future needs?

How does Lyngsoe Library Systems ensure the sorter operates precisely and reliably?