POSTED AT 12:00 AM ON Jun. 26, 2006 | PRINT | Email | SHARE | COMMENTS (0)

The Herman B Wells Library recently unveiled a new self-check system for loaning books. The system, which works similar to self-checkout systems in grocery stores, is the only one of its kind so far in the Bloomington libraries.

The arrival of the 3M SelfCheck System cost IU about $15,000, which is a cheaper price than recent years for updates to the check-out system, said Randy Lent assistant head of circulation, shelving and security services.

"I want something that is going to help us perform our mission more successfully," he said. "It is not something meant to be showy, flashy or for bragging rights; it's for serving customers more effectively."

With users' busy schedules Lent said he believes the new method will be a convenient option, especially in the fall when the IU population increases.

"Picture 25 people in line all needing different services," he said. "I believe the self-check system will be used a lot. I see it as an express lane."

Carolyn Walters, head of undergraduate library services, "bulldogged" the plan to bring the system to the Wells Library, Lent said.

"Many of our students are used to handling their own transactions, so (they) should feel comfortable with the self-check machine," Walters said. "This will free students and appointed staff to handle more complicated transactions."

Walters and Lent both pointed out the system's purpose is to supplement the employees, not replace them.

If that is what the future holds no one would be more disappointed than Lent, who said he finds the human interaction facet of the job rewarding.

"Standing at this counter I feel like I've traveled the world because I meet people from all over," Lent said.

The arrival of the 3M SelfCheck System marks yet another move toward increased flexibility provided by library services.

Moves in the past have included the online options for placing holds on books and the 'My Account' function, which allows readers to renew books, request interlibrary loans and check due dates.

This fall, employees of the library will be available to assist in the learning of the system. An instructional poster will also be made by graphic designers to illustrate how to use it.

"If you use the self-check one time, you're an expert," Lent said on the ease of its use. He has already seen people operating it solely out of curiosity.