Behind the Scenes

Items returned by customers at the Self-Service Material Return kiosk are conveyed into the workroom, where they are scanned and immediately checkedin. The sorting machine in the workroom then sorts the items into bins. Staff then move returned items from the bins to bookcarts for immediate shelving. By automating checkin and pre-sorting for the thousands of items that flow into the workroom every week, we are able to keep pace with growth in material flow and avoid the backlogs that slowed service in the past.

Self-Service Checkout

Angus Glen has 4 self-service checkout stations. The concept of using technology to "harness the power of the customer" came to us from consultant Cate McNeely of the Richmond Public Library (B.C.). Customer benefits include faster, more convenient checkout service, and greater privacy for their borrowing transcations. Operational benefits include cost-effectiveness in terms of managing increasing material flow, reduced ergonomic impacts for staff, and improved customer service due to increased staff availability for direct service (rather than material-handling).

Self-Service Material Return Checkin

Just outside the Library entrance doors, the Self-Service Material Return Checkin kiosk enables customers to independently return library materials without staff assistance. No waiting - materials are immediately checked in. The kiosk provides a printed receipt listing all materials returned.