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A new read on technology

Innovative "V" shape helps library patrons with barcoded self-checkout process.

October 9, 2005

3M recently released its newly updated kiosk for libraries. The SelfCheck System V-Series is an intuitive system with a sharp contemporary look and dynamically intelligent design.

Available in a wide variety of cabinet finishes and countertops, Model V1 combines self-service with 3M Tattle-Tape Security Strip technology.

Connie Thompson, a representative for 3M, said that the new kiosk system is working out great, especially for late adopters.

"This kiosk is fabulous and very intuitive," said Thompson. "In testing of first-timers using the SelfCheck system, the success rate was above 90 percent."

Thompson said that the rate of misreading materials at the SelfCheck is about 1 in 10,000, as compared to 1 in 56 with traditional library checkout systems.

The 3M V-Series Model V1 features a distinctive V design, ensuring the proper placement of books, magazines and other items. An easy-to-use touchscreen-based user interface guides customers through the self-check process. The data is easily accessible by librarians from any Windows-based PC with Web access. An embedded printer uses standard size rolls of printer paper, making it easier to change and easy for customers to read return slips.

Jacob Haas, library systems market development supervisor for 3M, said that libraries are being asked to do more with less, as is traditionally true with most government agencies. Regardless of cutbacks, however, libraries are facing tremendous growth, with some branches circulating a million items a year. Haas sees the V-Series as a means to create improved efficiencies within environments with meager resources.

Virtually any library material can be placed properly in the new 3M SelfCheck System V-Series. A visible scan line helps customers orient barcodes correctly. The barcode scanner configuration is designed to handle almost any barcode location and orientation. 3M's L-coil design provides reliable security. Customers are prevented from checking out more than one book under a single barcode, substituting items during check-out and more.

Another technology being used in conjunction with the SelfCheck system is RFID, which detects incorrectly shelved books and other items that were not properly checked in. The RFID tags are helping to ensure that patrons don't see fines for missing books that they had, in fact, turned in.

The new SelfCheck System V-Series features an easy-to-use touchscreen and step- by-step instructions that ensure first time success. Four languages can be displayed with 24 languages available.

This article originally published in Kiosk magazine Sep/Oct 2005.