Self Checkout and Self Service
Library Systems
Enable and Empower Your Patrons with Simple-To-Use Self-Service Library Systems
Save resources by letting patrons check out and return materials independently on a library kiosk or other types of self-service machines. You will release staff time to support new activities in your library and reduce the repetitive work that often strains the body. With the attractive self-service equipment and access solutions, your patrons will feel welcome and enjoy extended library services, while at the same time assisting staff by bringing the items to the next patron in line.
Self-Service Equipment
Other Smart Self Service Solutions
Self-Service Solutions Increases Staff and Patron Satisfaction
Extended Service with Same Staff
By utilizing self-service equipment, you will need fewer members of staff focusing on the checkout/lending and returns process, allowing for longer opening hours or new activities.
Reduced Physical Contact
By letting patrons independently handle key library processes, you significantly reduce the time that staff needs to interact directly with patrons unless it is part of an organized activity.
Intuitive and Welcoming
High accessibility in a few simple, guided steps empowers patrons to manage on their own and feel respected and welcome. Ergonomic design improves the self-checkout and return experience.
A Variety of Self Service Library Equipment Allows a Perfect Fit to Your Needs
We find it important that you are able to choose the “menu” of services, you want to provide your patrons, without overstretching your staff or making patrons feel unwelcome. Therefore, we offer a selection of solutions for you to design your unique customer journey. These options are typically:
Intuitive User Interface
Reliable Operation
Barrier-Free Accessibility
Guidelines for Defining Your Needs
As patrons increasingly use self-service options away from the front desk, it is important that you consider carefully where to guide them and which services to offer in your specific library environment.
These considerations can include:
- Library self-checkout kiosk
- Library self-return points
- Other smart solutions
Libraries have long embraced digitization while nurturing the importance of making knowledge available through personal guidance and consultancy and when introducing or expanding library self-service options.
The Customer Journey
The top priority when it comes to self-service solutions should always be the services that enhance the patron experience.
You can look for input by considering questions like these:
- Have the patrons been asking for specific additions or improvements?
- Are patrons standing in line to return or checkout / borrow books?
- Is it difficult for patrons to make full use of your services within the current opening hours?
- Are there any issues with being able to pick up holds within the current opening hours?
- Is accessibility acceptable for patrons with special needs?
Sketch out the general layout of your library and consider how and where you can guide patrons logically to without the need for asking staff for directions.
Your Needs for Freeing Up Time with Self Service
Balance this view against your unique library and community setting . It is important to consider which level of direct patron interactions you want to retain or add and free up time for.
Demand for Additional Programs
If you know, the community is in demand for additional programs, you may want to introduce more self service and possibly Automated Material Handling and IMMS™.
Extended (Unmanned) Hours
If you consider providing library self service in unmanned hours, consider if you want to let patrons into the library or make your service available without entering the library or certain zones.
RFID Expands Possibilities
Tagging items with RFID will offer you the widest range of options for introducing self service. This will make the checkout and return processes simpler.
Structure Your Services
Compare your need for freeing up staff time with your wishes for the customer journey. Maybe they are a perfect match. If not, rank your wishes and decide your priorities for the final requirements. Finally, merge the two perspectives onto your sketch of your library.
Design Your Patrons' Physical Flow
Carefully plan the placement of self-service kiosks to optimize patron flow. Determine which services each kiosk will offer (checkouts, returns, or both) and consider the strategic placement of alarm gates to prevent unnecessary alerts.
Control Access Areas
If you extend service hours, consider if you want to have all entry points open, or if restricted access is feasible for your unique situation. Consider, if this has implications for the placement of alarm gates.
Ensure a Smooth Logistical Flow
Determine the optimal workflow for returned items, considering whether they should be shelved directly or prepared for the next patron. Identify where staff involvement is necessary within this process. Finally, create a final design that addresses both staff efficiency and patron convenience.
Options for Kiosk Solutions, Access, and Availability
Library kiosks (or self service machines) provide your patrons with the option to handle checkout/lending, renewal and check-ins/returns by themselves. The kiosk software is configurable, so you decide which specific processes you allow on the individual kiosk. You can, for example, dedicate a kiosk to check-ins or check-outs only.
Kiosk Options to Fit Your Library Space
Lyngsoe Systems Library Solutions offers a range of different kiosk options to suit your unique library. Our Lyngsoe LibDeco™ series features freestanding and wall-mounted, height-adjustable kiosks, designed to meet accessibility needs, as well as a tabletop version that is compact and flexible in its placement options.
Easy-to-Use User Interface for Your Patrons
The user-friendly Lyngsoe LibRid™ software guides patrons through the checkout lending, return, and renewal process on the screens. It is straight-forward and releases staff for other, more important services and activities.
Fast Handling of Holds
The kiosks can help separate holds and thereby accelerate turnover times, ensuring items quickly reach waiting patrons. This enhances patron satisfaction and boosts circulation statistics.
Smooth Integration to Your ILS
Normally using SIP2 communication, NCIP, LCF, or other API’s, your patron's account in your library management system is immediately updated.
Keeping Engaged with Patrons Using the Lyngsoe Staff Mate™
Introducing library self-service does not mean that all staff-patron interaction will disappear. Though we want to minimize the need for direct contact, it is still of great value to patrons and staff alike.
Staff Mate™ software simplifies RFID management. It seamlessly integrates with FEIG or Nedap hardware, allowing staff to easily read and write RFID tags on any PC. Direct communication with the library system and user-friendly shortcuts can further accelerate workflows.
Choose from multiple options. All handle RFID tagged material and make fast work of transmitting identification between the items and the library management system. Issue, return, renew, and program RFID tags seamlessly with either configuration.
Access and Availability Solutions
Staff presence does not have to limit your library making its services available.
Open Doors in Unmanned Hours
Patron self-service can also take place in the library outside manned hours if the Lyngsoe Self-Operated Library™ solution is installed. Opening hours scheduling decides when patrons can be granted access.
Access to Holds Around the Clock
Using the Smart Lockers you can make it possible for patrons to, for example, pick up holds inside or outside the library at their convenience, potentially 24 hours a day.
Protecting Your Items and Eliminating Mistakes
The RFID alarm gates, which are active during normal opening hours, play an equally important role in the unmanned hours to alert patrons if they have not checked a book or another library item properly.
Keeping Control and Overview
When staff is present, they can via the Track Mate software see, which specific tags triggered the alarm gates and help correct the situation. The Track Mate also tells you the statistics of patrons using your library.
Hublet: Safe Tablet Lending made Easy
With the wealth of electronic library content you probably have available, you should consider how to maximize its availability.
The Hublet tablets provide a safe and secure way for patrons to use your electronic content at their favorite place in your library space.
Additional Enhancements to Your Processes
When opting for self-service, it is also worthwhile to consider introducing Automated Material Handling and/or the Intelligent Material Management System™ to further enhance your service level and efficiency.
Read more about Intelligent Material Management System
Read more about Automated Material Handling
Remote Access and Service (LSS)
Though Lyngsoe’s solutions are designed and built to ensure a highly reliable operation, like other things in life, they last longer, if they are taken good care of, and we are happy to assist you through our after-sales services.
Lyngsoe offers different service options, ranging from specialists coming onsite to an advanced remote monitoring service called Lyngsoe Secure Solution. This service enables us to proactively identify and address potential equipment issues.
Borrow a Page from Their Book
Check out our case stories to learn more about how other libraries have improved their operations with Lyngsoe solutions
Transforming Library Services in the London Borough of Sutton
London Borough of Sutton Council extended library opening hours, increased footfall, reduced costs, and generated revenue with Lyngsoe Self-Operated Library™. Learn more.
Library Automation Secures Services in Finland's Northernmost Municipality
Lyngsoe Systems' self-service library automation has brought much-needed flexibility, continuity and accessibility to the Utsjoki library.
Improving Inventory and Shelf Management at The University of Warwick Library
Discover how Lyngsoe Systems Library Solutions supported The University of Warwick Library with the implementation of Lyngsoe Library Clerk, improving shelf and inventory management whilst improving the student experience. Read more here.
Numerous Benefits to Automating the Library Return Process
“The partnership with Lyngsoe Systems was very service-oriented. We were able to rely on the team’s professional and competent advice during both the planning and implementation of Lyngsoe’s products.”
Innovative Concept for the Future of Mobile Libraries
How can RFID self-service help to extend lending possibilities outside the mobile library’s very limited opening hours?
St Andrews Leading Technology Innovation in the Main Library
Working with the Lyngsoe Libraries team, the Lyngsoe Intelligent Hold™ Shelves was quickly identified as being the ideal solution.
Curious about our solutions and how we can empower your library?
Explore the possibilities and unlock new opportunities by contacting us today.