Self-Service Checkout Available At Library

By Nancy K. Crevier

Progress has always been the motto of the C.H. Booth Library for the 75 years it has existed in town, and 2007 is no different. Patrons of the library have the opportunity to try out a new self checkout service on trial through the month of March.

Systems librarian Brenda McKinley said that she believes the service will be easy to use and popular for card holders who wish to be on their way quickly after selecting a book. “I would like people to come in and use the service this month, and let us know what they think about it,” said Ms McKinley.

The self checkout service consists of a touch screen computer program, a scanner, and a receipt printer. The program guides users through the process through the use of visual and auditory prompts.

Ms McKinley demonstrated Monday morning, March 5, shortly after the service went into use, the proper way to check out a book without the aid of a librarian. After “waking up” the program with a light touch, a pleasant automated voice prompts the user to hold the library card briefly beneath the scanner. The user is then guided to scan the bar code located inside the book. When the process is completed, a receipt is printed out.

The program is set up to disallow patrons to check out reference books or books that are being held for other library users. CDs and other library material, as well as books, can be checked out using the self service checkout, said Ms McKinley, although presently DVDs must still be processed through a librarian.

“I think that a lot of people will like [the self checkout],” said Ms McKinley. “It seems simple to use and it’s quick.”