New self-service equipment at Whanganui District libraries

Published on 17 November 2017

17 November 2017

New self-checkout and return equipment at Whanganui District Library Te Wharepukapuka o Whanganui is not only convenient for users, but also frees up library staff to help customers browsing the shelves.

Three self-checkout kiosks and two auto-return bookcases have been installed in the Davis Library, Queen’s Park. There is also new staff-checkout equipment at service counters across all branches, including Gonville Library and the Alexander Heritage & Research Library, to significantly speed up the issuing process.

Library Frontline Services Manager Nicholas Keene says the upgrade has involved tagging more than 100,000 books, CDs, DVDs and other materials, using a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system so the self-service devices can be used.

He says, “The easy, efficient services give customers the opportunity to bypass lines and check-out and return library items themselves and it makes paying rental and other fees much easier. Users can get started without the need for staff assistance and multiple items can be checked out in a single operation.”

Improved content software will also give users a heads-up on new titles, recommended reads and upcoming promotions.

The user-friendly self-checkout kiosks have audio, visual, touch and text features, along with large screens that allow space for library promotions and recommended reads and it is also simple for users to pay fees and charges,” says Mr Keene.

The self-check in bookcases allow library users to return multiple items that immediately come off of their library card, using an automated smartShelfTM system. The system has eight shelves that can hold up to 400 items at one time.

Mr Keene says it has been encouraging to see library users, who have seen the equipment being installed over the last few weeks, embrace the new technology.

“The self-checkout and self-return systems are convenient for library users and allow our staff to devote more time to assisting customers on the floor. We’re excited at the prospect of being more available to help our customers in library spaces rather than standing behind a counter.”