We do here in Columbus, Ohio. There are several set up at the circulation desk and even if a librarian is standing there doing nothing, they STILL make you use it. I’m all for self-service but I get annoyed every time I’m there and some senior citizen or kid is struggling to get through the self checkout process ?
It probably would be easier but I don’t have room for it in my card case and I can just look it up on my library app on my phone. I don’t have my Queens number memorized but I do remember my NYPL one for some reason 😛
I have my library card on my keychain like the rewards cards for CVS or the grocery store, etc. Always available. And i do self check out at our library too.
We have self service car drop box for returns. Open the door, lay each book separately on a moving belt to be scanned. Then get an email listing your returns.
we have 2 book returns outside, the library. one from the car, which is in a stupid place, only people with small cars car drive up and drop in box, me i have a van, so have to get out.. the other drop off box is near the front of the building, and u have to walk up to that one.
When I lived in Lethbridge during my university years, they did. That was over 20 years ago. But since then I’ve lived in tiny towns. No such thing there. Currently I live in a town with only 5,300 ppl. So no self checkout here either. Totally unnecessary.
No, but I had a bookstore where I could pick up a book, and if I didn’t see anyone at the cash register I could just leave the money on the counter on my way out the door. Edited to add: I also left a note with my name and the book title and price. Otherwise that would have been a little weird.
We have self check out. We also have two options for holds. 1) the holds shelf that is available to search and grab your books from on your own. 2) the holds locker that is available when the library is closed for those people who can’t go in during their hours. We also have a library vending machine available after hours where you can search what is available in the machine and checkout those items. Our library is located inside of a YMCA. The locker and vending machine are in their lobby. https://goo.gl/images/1XGue7
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to impede the library’s self-service trend, if it is moving in that direction. If the library can afford the technology, the move is toward automation, as in Anne Marie Williams’ post.
We do, but it’s only used for 25% of the time and most of that use comes from our children’s dept. I’ve seen people wait 3-4 deep to have the staff check them out. But, if you had the kind of staff we do, you’d prefer them over a machine!!!
We have at least 3 at each branch. Our customer service staff are busy delivering more and more programmes and events such as coding clubs, robotics, Lets go Lego, book clubs, etc. We still have someone rostered to the ‘front’ desk but that person stands between the desk and the self check machines and is available to chat and help everyone. There are some people who choose not to use the machines, which is okay. A large majority prefer to do everything themselves. I had an older lady the other day who told me she is 82 and loves it so much, that she taught her husband to use it 🙂 🙂
First of all yes the library I frequent most often does. Some people I feel might mistakenly consider this a trend in automation or something like it tuat. It’s every where grocery and retail stores too. But these business trends are not automation there is still a human do the exact same work, it’s just us the public doing it for free. I’m all for progress and technology that makes life easier and businesses more profitable but not at the expense of the health of the economy and certainly not when I am forced to give away my labor for free. It’s a cost saving measure it’s not more efficient…it’s a scam on the public. I avoid them whenever I can. Sorry. Rant over. ?
I used a self checker computer for the first time recently. A librarian set up my new card/account for me. Last time I had a card, I always went up to a librarian to take my book out. But recently they have been busy doing other stuff so played with the computer self checker.
This is new to me. Didn’t know it was a thing. I’m 20 minutes away from Iowa driving, I don’t drive, there’s a public library and another library within that one in a sense as well as possibly an independent book store, haven’t been to either hardly at all. Another maybe 40 minutes away, haven’t been to for years, don’t remember when i first and last went and another give or take 20 minutes away as well. Only have 1 card and it’s possibly expired i recently found this out from the 40 min library, trying to use book library app and card wasn’t working. Idk if they have self checkout.? Catch you later lovelies!
Since it never worked properly in my library, there was always a need for staff to be there to monitor it and help people get their books. They took it out after a few months. I am always picking up previously reserved books/interlibrary loans, and I need a staff person for that.
There are self check outs and regular check outs at my library. There are multiple staff members on at any given time if you need help finding stuff. Which I do, like 90% of the time. XD
My closest library doesn’t but I recently used one on the other side of town, and they had a station. Next time I go there I’m going to try it! Though I do love chatting with the librarians when I check out…
I do. I’ve used it a few times now and it’s still very weird to me. On one hand, my introverted self jumps for joy over not having to talk to anyone face to face. On the other hand, the system feels so… cold. Unwelcoming.
I do, and I love it. If I already know what I want (and look up the call number beforehand) then I can usually get in and out before my free 30 mins of parking expires.
We do. You just scan your library card and set your pile of books barcode down on it and it reads them all instantly. No scanning past the library card. So efficient and easy.
@Ashley my library does that to. They just switched to RFID tags in the books instead os barcodes. That enables the whole stack of books to be scanned at once.
We do too, but I find really entertaining is the self check in (return). You stick the book on this sensor and then it opens the door slides the book through the conveyer belt with a scanner so you can immediately get your receipt that you’ve returned the book
Yes.
Me
Me
Yes
Yes
Yes but it doesn’t seem to be working and I like talking to the circ people anyway
Yes. I didn’t like it at first, but now I totally love it.
i love mine too… so easy,,,
Yes, Toronto Public Library!
Yes
Yep.
Jefferson Parish Public Library (Louisiana) does.
Yes
Yes
Yes!you
yes , we do, kalamazoo/portage, michigan
Yes!
Noooo. I’d be out of a job- I work at the Circulation Desk!
we still need you, but, its so much faster. and we are a big city.
I do.
Mine does!
Yes
Yes
Ours does. I use them almost exclusively unless they’re out of order or a certain book isn’t scanning.
me too.
We do. It doesn’t seem like many people use it though.
ours is always in use
Yes
We do. Love it!
Yes
We do.
I do.
Yes
Yes. Eagan, Minnesota. I still use the librarians though.
Yes. In Madison, Wi
Mine does, but if you check out anything with two or more discs, you have to go to a live person.
We do here in Columbus, Ohio. There are several set up at the circulation desk and even if a librarian is standing there doing nothing, they STILL make you use it. I’m all for self-service but I get annoyed every time I’m there and some senior citizen or kid is struggling to get through the self checkout process ?
We have them in Toronto, Canada. I can put up to six books at a time on the “checker” ! Super easy and fast.
No.. not yet!
where u from
I do
Yes
I do.
We have self check out. Like it a lot.
I do I love it I don’t even have to bring my card I can just enter the number and not disturb the librarians who might be trying to help other people.
i use my library card,, its easier. and truelly , i dont know if i can punch in my library number.. will have to ask, next time i go..
my library number.. is 13 numbers long
It probably would be easier but I don’t have room for it in my card case and I can just look it up on my library app on my phone. I don’t have my Queens number memorized but I do remember my NYPL one for some reason 😛
I have my library card on my keychain like the rewards cards for CVS or the grocery store, etc. Always available. And i do self check out at our library too.
??♀️??♀️
Yes we have the one where you place your items on the pad and it scans them.
Yep
Yes
Yes
We have self service car drop box for returns. Open the door, lay each book separately on a moving belt to be scanned. Then get an email listing your returns.
we have 2 book returns outside, the library. one from the car, which is in a stupid place, only people with small cars car drive up and drop in box, me i have a van, so have to get out.. the other drop off box is near the front of the building, and u have to walk up to that one.
I do
Yes.
We do. Didn’t know it was there until about 3 weeks ago.
I work in a library. We’re fully automated: four self-check out kiosks and two self-return kiosks, which then sort the books into the proper bins.
ors is just 3 self check outs
We’ve had it for a while
I do.
Yup
I do.
Sure do!!
Yes
Yep
Yes
We do
No
Yes!
yes,library just remodeled
Yes!!!
Yes
We do. Gig Harbor, wa
For at least 20 years … can’t remember when we first got it — and it has greatly improved …
dang! 20 years.. mine as not been that many years…
For years now.
Yep.
Nope
We do
Pima County Public Library does. My Library rocks!
Not sure I’m a fan of self-checkout.
Yes. Love it.
Yes
Nope… old school still
When I lived in Lethbridge during my university years, they did. That was over 20 years ago.
But since then I’ve lived in tiny towns. No such thing there.
Currently I live in a town with only 5,300 ppl. So no self checkout here either. Totally unnecessary.
Yes
We do but I have not it used it
No
I do
Yes. NY and Jax FL.
Yes. But I always use the one at the counter so I can chat to people still.
No, but I had a bookstore where I could pick up a book, and if I didn’t see anyone at the cash register I could just leave the money on the counter on my way out the door.
Edited to add: I also left a note with my name and the book title and price. Otherwise that would have been a little weird.
Oh I would love that!
Yes! Hardly ever go up to the counter.
Yes
Yes.
Yes
We do
Yes
We did for a while. I hated it. They no longer have it.
Yes, Dallas branch library has a self check out machine. Not sure why when the humans that work there aren’t busy! ?
Yes, we do in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Yes
here in south Texas we do
No- I volunteer at the library! I’d loose my job.
They still have librarians to help people find books and help with computer issues.
No not in New York City
We do. Love it.
Yes, but I prefer to chat with the librarian.
Me
We do
Yes but why ask that ? Just curious
Yes.
The big one downtown does but not the little local ones
I use it for all the YA I check out so no one has to see. (Just kidding. See other recent post.)
Me but now I’m mostly ebook to my Kindle
We have self check out. We also have two options for holds. 1) the holds shelf that is available to search and grab your books from on your own. 2) the holds locker that is available when the library is closed for those people who can’t go in during their hours. We also have a library vending machine available after hours where you can search what is available in the machine and checkout those items. Our library is located inside of a YMCA. The locker and vending machine are in their lobby. https://goo.gl/images/1XGue7
We do but I like talking to the librarians, plus I’m usually also buying something from the library sale rack
Most of the libraries around Logan City have self-checkout, but I don’t use them. They confuse me.
We do! I use it a lot, but I’m also usually in a rush. We also have where you can ask them to pull books for you if they’re in the library too.
We have them! I guess it’s a gift for book worms, but it’s probably more important to not takeaway someone’s job and have a human interaction.
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to impede the library’s self-service trend, if it is moving in that direction. If the library can afford the technology, the move is toward automation, as in Anne Marie Williams’ post.
We do. I like it!
Me
At every branch
We do.
I just did yesterday lol I didn’t want to talk to anyone in that location lol
We have a self check out, and I use it frequently. So much faster!
Self check out and you can either pick up holds at the front desk or from the drive thru window.
Drive thru window! I love that….whereabouts do you work, @Melinda?
I don’t work there, but this library is in Texas – a suburb of Dallas/Fort Worth. It’s been great with three young kids.
?♀️?♀️
I do!
We do.
Yes, but we have to use it. Unlike at self check outs at the store there is an option of one cashier checking out.
We do, but it’s only used for 25% of the time and most of that use comes from our children’s dept. I’ve seen people wait 3-4 deep to have the staff check them out. But, if you had the kind of staff we do, you’d prefer them over a machine!!!
We have at least 3 at each branch. Our customer service staff are busy delivering more and more programmes and events such as coding clubs, robotics, Lets go Lego, book clubs, etc. We still have someone rostered to the ‘front’ desk but that person stands between the desk and the self check machines and is available to chat and help everyone. There are some people who choose not to use the machines, which is okay. A large majority prefer to do everything themselves. I had an older lady the other day who told me she is 82 and loves it so much, that she taught her husband to use it 🙂 🙂
First of all yes the library I frequent most often does. Some people I feel might mistakenly consider this a trend in automation or something like it tuat. It’s every where grocery and retail stores too. But these business trends are not automation there is still a human do the exact same work, it’s just us the public doing it for free. I’m all for progress and technology that makes life easier and businesses more profitable but not at the expense of the health of the economy and certainly not when I am forced to give away my labor for free. It’s a cost saving measure it’s not more efficient…it’s a scam on the public. I avoid them whenever I can. Sorry. Rant over. ?
I used a self checker computer for the first time recently. A librarian set up my new card/account for me. Last time I had a card, I always went up to a librarian to take my book out. But recently they have been busy doing other stuff so played with the computer self checker.
I do
Mine does
Yes
Love it! No judgy stares or comments from the librarian.
Yes. Required.
Yes
We have three self-check outs at my library. Easy and well used. Staff will call you over if lines are too long. Easy, peasy….
We do but it doesn’t work if you have a fine you need to pay so I end up interacting with a person anyway.
yes
I chose books from library online. When they become available they are put in my book box at library. Works wonderfully.
Yes..we had a refit and they were put in..i like them.we still have staff if you need them to help.
Several
We do – new in the last couple of years..
Not at my library, but the next town over has one.
Oh you would. ?
Yes
Yes, my grandkids and I love it!!
This is new to me. Didn’t know it was a thing. I’m 20 minutes away from Iowa driving, I don’t drive, there’s a public library and another library within that one in a sense as well as possibly an independent book store, haven’t been to either hardly at all. Another maybe 40 minutes away, haven’t been to for years, don’t remember when i first and last went and another give or take 20 minutes away as well. Only have 1 card and it’s possibly expired i recently found this out from the 40 min library, trying to use book library app and card wasn’t working. Idk if they have self checkout.? Catch you later lovelies!
Yes
Yes.
Yes there is one but it’s electronic.
We don’t the library is to small for that
Put a lot of people out of work.
Since it never worked properly in my library, there was always a need for staff to be there to monitor it and help people get their books. They took it out after a few months. I am always picking up previously reserved books/interlibrary loans, and I need a staff person for that.
There are self check outs and regular check outs at my library. There are multiple staff members on at any given time if you need help finding stuff. Which I do, like 90% of the time. XD
My closest library doesn’t but I recently used one on the other side of town, and they had a station. Next time I go there I’m going to try it! Though I do love chatting with the librarians when I check out…
Yup
Yep. Check in and check out. Handy sometimes, even though it means the loss of genuine Librarians… ?
we still have our librarians here.
The same amount? Or fewer? We have fewer genuine librarians and more helpers! Swings and roundabouts I guess.
I do. I’ve used it a few times now and it’s still very weird to me. On one hand, my introverted self jumps for joy over not having to talk to anyone face to face. On the other hand, the system feels so… cold. Unwelcoming.
I do, and I love it. If I already know what I want (and look up the call number beforehand) then I can usually get in and out before my free 30 mins of parking expires.
u get 30 minutes of free parking! we get free parking, after 6p.m. during the week and free on weekends
We get a free 30 mins, but after that it gets ugly quickly!
We do. I use it every time I go to check out books and movies
Me it’s pretty cool!
We do!
I did at my old library because it was huge. My new one is small and doesn’t.
Yes!
I do! I love it!
Yes
We do. You just scan your library card and set your pile of books barcode down on it and it reads them all instantly. No scanning past the library card. So efficient and easy.
u can scan more then one book at a time? i can only scan one at a time..
@Linda yeah you just put your whole stack on the mat and it scans them all at once.
dang! thats not fair…lol
@Ashley my library does that to. They just switched to RFID tags in the books instead os barcodes. That enables the whole stack of books to be scanned at once.
Yes
We do!
Yes, and easy to use. I am new to my area and so glad there is a very nice library close by.
we do in Greenville SC
We do and I use it.
Yes
We do, and always use it
Here!
Not in Honokaa, Hawaii!???
Order my books online and use the self check-more time to read!!!
Yes, we do and I order my books online for pickup. Very convenient.
Yes
Yes! Love it!
Yes
I do.
Yes. San Antonio, Texas has a great public library system. First bookless library in the US.
Bibliotech! https://bexarbibliotech.org/
We do too, but I find really entertaining is the self check in (return). You stick the book on this sensor and then it opens the door slides the book through the conveyer belt with a scanner so you can immediately get your receipt that you’ve returned the book
Yes
Yes
??♀️??♀️
We do
We do and my son loves to check out his own books.