Self-Check in/out

The Patron Self Check-out station is basically a computer with a touch screen and a built-in RFID reader, plus special software for personal identification, book and media handling and circulation. After identifying the patron with a library ID card, a barcode card, or his personal ID number (PIN), the patron is asked to choose the next action (checkout of one or several books). After choosing check-out , the patron puts the book(s) in front of the screen on the RFID reader and the display will show the book title and its ID number (other optional information can be shown if desired) which have been checked out. The patron then confirms that he has finished the check-out process and a receipt is printed, showing which books have been borrowed and the return date. The RFID tag in the book is set on quiet as a result no alarm will go off at the EAS gates. It is also possible to use the station for Check-In (return) of books. In this case the patron identifies herself, chooses return and then puts one book or a stack of books onto the reader. She will receive a receipt. If the books were to be taken through the gate now, an alarm would sound. One important point for library productivity is that the whole process is significantly less time consuming than with barcode and magnetic strip system; therefore long lines are avoided and fewer stations are needed for the same process.