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ID Systems has installed the third set of QuickCheck self-service kiosks (from Sentry Technology Corporation) at the Harris County Public Library in Houston, Texas (USA), where there is now a total of 30 of the units serving seven library branches.
The RFID-based kiosk operates in a similar fashion to a bank ATM, in that patrons gain access to the library's circulation software via a user card and touch screen video monitor. A book's barcode or RFID chip is read by the kiosk, then any necessary security functions are performed, and finally a receipt is printed to tell the patron which books have been borrowed and when they are due to be returned.
Once the process is complete, the patron can leave the library through the security system without any intervention from library staff. The solution, apart from providing more convenience and a little novelty value for the patron, frees library staff to concentrate on other tasks.
Public enthusiasm
"Our statistics for the end of May 2004 confirm that the QuickChecks are getting 70%-80% of all check-out activities," said Gene Rollins, assistant director of systems and technical services at Harris County Public Library. "The QuickChecks have enabled the virtual elimination of lines waiting to check out, even at peak periods."
"With our Sidekick remote diagnostic software tool, we are also able to offer Harris County and ID Systems technical staff the ability to manage the performance of the network of QuickCheck systems, do statistical analysis and software changes over the web," said Frances Giles, library division sales manager for ID Systems.
Source: Sentry Technology
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