Like the bank, the gas station, the supermarket and the toll road, libraries are using self-serve technology for a faster, more-efficient checkout. Central Library will join Plaza, Shirlington and Westover in using all self-serve checkout on Monday, June 7. Other branches will follow in coming months.
Staff and volunteers are ready to help patrons with the transition. But needless to say, the key is having your library card with you at the library. So if you haven’t seen your card in a while, please check your junk drawer, the glove compartment, that shelf next to the washing machine or maybe the pocket of your raincoat.
If you think your card is lost for good, replacements are available. But lines for customer service could be long at certain times so you’ll want to obtain a replacement card soon. Save time – carry your library card and you’ll be on your way.
Find out more about self service in our Self Service FAQ.
What if I have a book on hold? How will that work now?And does this mean people will lose their jobs?
No, this change will not affect staffing levels.Regarding the pick up of your holds – In advance of Central Library transitioning to an all self-serve checkout system, holds were moved from behind the Circulation Desk to the area that formerly displayed DVDs. That new holds area is also self-serve. If you have been notified that a hold is ready at Central, visit the hold shelf to find your item. Then check it out at the self-serve machines, using your Library card. These changes–a growing trend at public libraries–were designed to create a faster, more efficient check-out experience for the public, as well as to allow staff to focus on other areas of library business.
what prohibits someone from taking another person's held book from the hold shelf and checking it out at the self service machine ?
Hi Anonymous,Thanks for asking – our system will only let you check-out items with the card that was used to place them on hold.This also means that if you want to pick up holds for your wife, child, boyfriend or friend, you will need to have that person's card.
Hello Library Staff — In case I forget my card, will the self service machines allow me to manually input my library card number? Thanks!
You can certainly type in your Library card number if you know it. But swiping your card makes checkout a faster experience.
We've just added a "Self Service FAQ" to answer these and many other questions:http://arlingtonvalib.blogspot.com/2010/05/self-service-faqs.html
Hello, the Self Service FAQ links on this page are not working.
I noticed on the checkout screen it allows the user to enter their username? Is this another way to check out materials? Sometimes I forget my card and want to avoid the fee to have a librarian look it up. Thanks.
Hi Jeff,
There is never a fee to have a librarians look up your account number.
However, you can indeed set up a username for your account. You username becomes your alias, and can be used to log into your account, check out materials, and will be printed on your hold slips. A username can be set, reset or removed from the “Change My Info” section of your online account. Usernames must be between 6 and 25 characters (letters and number only, no special characters).
And thank you for pointing out the broken link – we’ve fixed it.