AUTOMATED MATERIALS HANDLING (AMH)

Automate returns.
Handle materials with care.
Empower your staff.

Talk to our team

Manual returns slow everything down.

flexAMH is the leading AMH solution for libraries: quiet, gentle on materials, and built for precise processing. It increases return speed and frees up staff for higher-value work.

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years of AMH expertise

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LIBRARIES WORLDWIDE

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Items per hour

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Drop. Detect. Deliver.

3D illustration of a Bibliotheca flexAMH backroom setup with conveyors, bins, and workstations for automated library returns and sorting.

Staff Induction Point

flexAMH bins

autoBin

bookDrop

Sorting line

Emergency stop

Bin full sensor

Patron induction

RETURN

Patrons drop items (indoor/outdoor/drive-up).

INDUCTION

Items enter system, accounts updated instantly.

DETECTION

Barcode/EM/RFID read; holds identified and separated.

SORTING

Rules route by branch, media type, or workflow.

TOTE MANAGEMENT

One scan handles tote check-in/out for faster transfers.

RESHELVING/TRANSIT

Shelf-ready items move to the right floor or branch.

Front-end options built for libraries

Choose the induction model that fits your space, workflow, and staff needs.

Features	flexAMH Standard (520)	flexAMH Portal (550)	flexAMH Simplified (570)
Best for	Libraries installing AMH for the first time or replacing systems	Libraries upgrading legacy Bibliotheca / 3M systems	Libraries seeking a cost-effective, indoor-only return solution
Installation	Interior or exterior wall	Interior or exterior wall	Interior only
Identification	Barcode, RFID, or Tattle-Tape™ compatible	Barcode, RFID, or Tattle-Tape™ compatible	Barcode, RFID, or Tattle-Tape™ compatible
User interaction	Guided 19-inch display	19-inch widescreen with enhanced UX	Optional 22-inch touchscreen
Flap mechanism	Vertical flap (opens after scan)	Swivel flap (auto-open for each item)	Always open for faster drop-offs
Printer	Integrated thermal printer	Integrated thermal printer	Optional printer available

Flexible back-end layouts for any space

Whether your library processes 500 or 5,000 returns a day,
flexAMH modular components, including bins, elevators, and conveyors, effortlessly scale to fit your needs.

flexAMH 570 simplified induction integrated with backend

dual-panel flexAMH induction stations for high-traffic areas

standard flexAMH sorting system with multiple bins

tote management module for large-scale material sorting

flexAMH configuration with ergonomic return carts

complete flexAMH backend layout with conveyors and bins

compact flexAMH elevator design for backroom efficiency

flexAMH elevator module moving bins between floors

flexAMH connected to Telelift conveyor for automated inter-floor transport

Why libraries choose flexAMH

Engineered for performance, designed for libraries.

Reliability: Factory-tested and trusted for decades.
Speed: Processes up to 2,400 items per hour.
Accuracy: 99% with RFID, barcode, and EM.
Integration: Runs on quickConnect and connects with other Bibliotheca solutions.
Accessibility: DDA-compliant design for all patrons.
Staff empowerment: Fewer manual processes, allowing more time for patrons.
Safety: Quiet operation, gentle material handling.
Local expertise: Installed and supported by regional Bibliotheca technicians.

Trusted local expertise

Every flexAMH system is supported by Bibliotheca’s dedicated service network. Our local experts provide proactive maintenance, parts availability, and remote diagnostics to ensure maximum uptime with certified technicians who understand library workflows.

Unified experience

flexAMH runs on Bibliotheca’s quickConnect platform, the same intuitive interface used across our selfCheck solutions. It delivers a unified and branded experience for patrons and staff, customisable to match your library’s brand, accessibility standards, and preferred languages.

See it in action

Watch how flexAMH automates returns and sorting for a faster, more efficient library workflow.

Play Video

The flexAMH Family

Modular components that work together to automate returns, sorting, and transfers in any library.

Automate returns, boost efficiency

The core Automated Materials Handling system that checks in, sorts, and transports items with unmatched speed and accuracy, reducing turnaround time and freeing staff for higher-value services.

flexAMH

flex bookDrop

Convenient returns, any time

Indoor, outdoor, and drive-up induction options that instantly check in items and update patron accounts, delivering 24/7 flexibility and a seamless user experience.

Drop-and-go convenience

Accepts stacks of items and separates them automatically into single units for precise, high-speed sorting, reducing manual handling and staff workload.

flexAMH bulkSeparator

flexAMH Tote Management

Smarter inter-branch transfers

Centralised tote check-in that streamlines item movement between branches, accelerates transfers, and simplifies logistics across large library systems.

Durable design, effortless handling

Ergonomic bins and trolleys built for easy movement, safe material collection, and long-term reliability in high-volume operations.

flexAMH Bins & Trolleys

flexAMH Conveyors

Flexible movement, any space

Custom conveyor modules navigate corners, cross floors, and connect buildings for efficient material movement across complex library layouts. In select regions, flexAMH integrates with
Telelift
for automated transport between floors and buildings.

Library Stories

"The decision to build the new system was initially due to the fact that the old system regularly reached its capacity limits. We had to react to the increasing use and find an adequate solution”

Dr. Sabine HomiliusDirector at Frankfurt’s Central Library

"I don’t want a new piece of equipment just because it’s shiny and cool. It has to enhance either my staff’s or my patrons’ lives. It must make things easier, faster, better and more accurate. The new flexAMH does just that.”

Holly BarfieldAssistant Director of IT at Forsyth County Public Library

"We’ve been pleased with the transition to RFID and AMH and the support from Bibliotheca, especially the AMH team. Their support is fantastic. We love that we don’t feel like just another number and truly appreciate the attention we get."

Scott AylettLibrary Director at Spanish Fork Public Library

| Park Ridge Public Library, US

A 7-bin flexAMH eliminated 60,000 manual check-ins each month, giving staff more time to serve the community.

| Shanghai Library East, CN

With flexAMH, Shanghai Library East turns millions of returns into faster reshelving and greater staff efficiency.

| Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, UAE

At Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, flexAMH and smartShelf streamline millions of returns, freeing staff to focus on cultural programmes.

Ready to boost efficiency? Let’s design your flexAMH system.