Checking out books in an instant

Updated 1:00 PM June 24, 2003

Checking out books in an instant

By Judy Malcolm
Development Communications and Donor Relations

Students now can sign out library books with the same speed and ease as checking out chips and dip at the grocery store, thanks to a gift from 3M.

New self-checkout equipment, as well as a library detection system using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, helps put the University Library System at the forefront of library management, says William Gosling, director of the University Library.

"The new system allows students to check out books themselves while the library staff carries out other duties," Gosling says. "The SelfCheck Systems for several locations in the University Library System make life easier for students, other library patrons and library staff members. Feedback from students has been very positive."

To use RFID, the library installs a tag that contains bar code information in every book. Checkout is faster because the book does not have to be opened to reveal the code. The system also makes it possible to do faster inventory checks and determine how often a book is used. A librarian can scan an entire row of books with a hand held device to find a particular title or can determine instantly if a book has been shelved incorrectly.

The self-check machines are installed in the Graduate, Undergraduate, Science, Social Work, Dentistry, Public Health, Music and Media Union libraries.

The gift is valued at more than $350,000.

"This generous gift will allow the University Library System to experiment with this new technology, which we could not have done without 3M's support," Gosling says. "The system provides opportunities for more efficient checkout options at a critical time when the Library budget is under severe fiscal constraints."

David Powell, president of the 3M Foundation, says, "3M hoped that this product contribution could help the University conserve its resources, and we're delighted to learn it has accomplished that objective."

3M also provides annual scholarship support for engineering students with a special focus on women and minorities, and for nursing students, and it has supported the Center for Sustainable Systems at the School of Natural Resources and Environment.

3M also works in various capacities with the School of Dentistry, the Medical School, the College of Engineering and the Department of Dermatology.

Checking out books in an instant

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