Self Checkout at the Architecture Library, East Campus
1109 days ago
Similar to other experiences in Libraries across the globe, users were initially reluctant to use the self service machine to take out books from the Wartenweiler Library. After a year, the machine was moved to the Architecture Library in February 2010. At this new location, library staff members embarked on an intensive training programme to familiarize users with the self checkout procedures. The statistics increased from the previous 444 per annum at Wartenweiler Library to more than 3 800 items at Architecture Library for the period February to mid- May 2010.
The reasons for the successful implementation at the Architecture Library were:
(i) Unlike Wartenweiler Library, the Architecture Library works with a closely knit user community which made it possible to extend training to many of them on an ongoing basis, and
(ii) Training covered not only operating the self checkout machine but also the creation and use of the Library PIN used to identify all users of the Library system.
Without the PIN, users cannot optimally access Library resources nor can they use the self checkout system. The success story at the Architecture Library will be used to inform future technology interventions in the Library. As Louis Armstrong said: "One small step for man. A huge step for mankind!"
Janie
Self Checkout Architecture Library
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