Xerox Services Help Houston Library Solve Staffing Issues

Xerox consulting services put to work to help library improve productivity.

ROCHESTER, N.Y., March 21, 2006 -- In the middle of 2005, in an effort to give patrons greater access to its services, the Houston Public Library turned to Xerox Corporation (NYSE: XRX) and the company’s process management consulting services to explore ways to improve efficiencies.

Xerox deployed a team of specialized Lean Six Sigma consultants to the library to analyze and measure operations -- ranging from computer reservations to circulation -- at four Branch Library locations that represented a service population sampling for the system. Following the collaborative assessment process, Xerox presented the Houston Public Library earlier this month with a report that offered some innovative solutions and recommendations for efficiency gains to best service their customers.

Lean Six Sigma is a rigorous, data-driven, results-oriented approach to process improvement. It combines two industry-recognized management methodologies evolved by companies like General Electric Co., Toyota Motor Corp., and Motorola Corp. By integrating the tools of Lean and Six Sigma, Xerox is helping customers improve quality, efficiency and speed in every aspect of their business.

“Houston Public Library is excited about the opportunity to work with Xerox Global Services on the Lean Six Sigma study to explore strategies for greater organizational effectiveness and efficiencies, and we are very pleased that we have engaged them in this progressive partnership,” said Dr. Rhea Brown Lawson, Director of the Houston Public Library.

“Lean Six Sigma is typically used by large enterprises to eliminate waste, reduce redundancies and ensure quality,” said Craig Haskins, vice president, Public Sector, Xerox Global Services. “But we’re applying the same guiding principles to help public institutions, like Houston Public Library, expand operations, improve processes and increase both employee and patron satisfaction.”

About Houston Public Library
The Houston Public Library system serves the city’s culturally diverse community by offering a broad program of free educational, informational and recreational activities through a central complex and neighborhood branch libraries. The Library system, composed of 36 branch libraries, provides a network of materials, services and programs to Houston’s diverse neighborhoods.

Contact Information

Michael Zimmerman

Media Contact

Xerox Corporation

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