Self-Service is an unattended kiosk interface that allows patrons to check items in or out themselves, freeing librarians to handle other library responsibilities.

To access Self-Service, log in to Alexandria and go to Tools > Self-Service, or add one of the following to the end of your Alexandria login URL:

• /selfservice or /selfserviceinout to choose a mode
• /SelfServiceOut for Check Out mode
• /SelfServiceIn for Check In mode

Log in with your username and password, then choose Check Out or Check In mode. Once you're logged in, you'll stay logged in until you manually log out from the menu. Self-Service will not time-out or log you out automatically.

Change Modes

When you first log in, you'll choose to enter Check Out or Check In mode. Click the title at the top of the screen to select a different mode. Because you're effectively logging out of one mode to log in to another, you will need to enter your password again.

Menu

Language

• Change the interface language to English (Inglés), Spanish (Español), and French (Français).

Settings

These settings are specific to the station and browser you're working on. Each station (computer, tablet, browser, etc.) will need to set these settings manually. If the browser's cache is cleared, these settings will also be cleared and will need to redone.

• Require Authentication for Check Out. When checked, patrons must enter their log in password to check out items. 
• Use Alexandria Network Printer. Receipts for Check Out and Check In will be formatted to print on the Alexandria Network Printer. 
• Printer Address. Enter the IP address for your network printer. 

Log Out

This is to log out of Self-Service mode, not for the patron to log out of their account or session. To prevent accidental logouts, the librarian who logged in to Self-Service mode must enter their password to log out and return to the main screen; no other password will do.

Command Line / Scan Bar

Let's get started.

Scan or type your patron barcode.

I'm Done

When you're done checking books in or out, click I'm Done at the bottom right of your screen. Next, choose if you want a printed or emailed receipt, then click OK to process your transactions and clear the screen. If you click Cancel, you'll go back to your transaction list.

Check Out Mode

Scan items - Out

Scanned items show up at the top, just like the Transaction Log. In Out mode, this is right under the Patron; in In mode, under the scan bar. The space to the left shows the item cover art (note: should be flush with lines and left edge), the item info shows the Title (ALERT Myra 20180914 do we allow 2 lines for the title? at what point do we cut it off?), Copy Barcode, Status of the item, and its Due date.

The items area scrolls. (Patron persists.)

NOTE: The text should be selectable, i.e. I should be able to double-click to select and copy the item barcode.

Scan items - In

For check in, it only shows one item at a time; the idea is a running bookdrop. There is still an ‘I’m Done’ button but all it does is clears the window.

The item info shows ‘Checked In’ and when the item ‘Was Due’; if the item is overdue, show the date in red.

When a circulation transaction can not be processed in the Self-Service interface, a warning sounds and message appears and you will be directed to the front desk for additional help. These exceptions can occur due to policy restrictions, unapproved transactions (e.g. an item checked out to another patron), hold/reservation and policy conflicts, temporary items, items from outside locations, etc.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Self-Service Check Out

If there is no current patron, enter (or scan) a patron barcode to begin checkout; if the same patron barcode number is scanned twice, it will be ignored.

1. When the patron is made current, enter (or scan) an item barcode to checkout or click Done to clear the Self-Service interface.
   
   
2. If a barcode of fifty or less is scanned, an error occurs; system patrons can not be used in conjunction with Self-Service checkout.
   
   
3. If an item barcode is scanned without a patron being current, an error occurs.
   
   
4. When a new patron barcode is scanned (different from the Current Patron), the Self-Service interface is refreshed and the new patron is made current. This way, if the current patron walks away from the self-service station and another patron walks up and enters their barcode, they will be able to check out books.
   
   
5. If an item barcode is scanned and no exceptions are triggered, the item is successfully checked out; an entry will be made to the transaction log.
   
   
6. If an item barcode is scanned that has a “In-Stock Hold” or “Reservation” for the current patron and no exceptions are triggered, the item is successfully checked out; an entry will be made to the transaction log.
   
   
7. If an item barcode is scanned that is currently checked out to the current patron, Alexandria will attempt to perform a renewal. If successful, an entry will be made to the transaction log.

I'm Done

When you're done checking books in or out, click I'm Done at the bottom right of your screen. Next, choose if you want a printed or emailed receipt, then click OK to process your transactions and clear the screen. If you click Cancel, you'll go back to your transaction list.

Troubleshooting

Unable to process your request

You might have a fine on your account, or the book you're trying to check out might have a hold or be checked out to someone else. Take your item to the librarian at the front desk to see what's going on.

Unknown barcode

The patron or item barcode you've entered isn't in the system. Make sure it was entered correctly and try again. If you continue to see this error, ask a librarian for assistance.

Check In

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Enter the barcode(s) of the item(s) you want to check in (i.e. bookdrop).
2. If a patron barcode is scanned, an error occurs; this includes system patrons with barcodes of fifty or less.
3. When a item barcode is successfully bookdropped, an entry will be made to the transaction log.
4. If an item has fines due upon check in, the fine will be displayed in the Self-Service interface (e.g. “Overdue Item, Fine of $1.23 charged.”).
5. If the patron bookdropping an item is different from the patron associated with the previous item, the Self-Service interface is cleared before displaying new bookdrop confirmation information.
6. If a patron checks in a book which is on hold, has a reservation, or is in transit, you will be asked to deliver the book to the librarian or aide at the front desk.
7. Click Done to clear the Self-Service interface; the patron checking in the book will never be identified in the interface—only on the printed receipt.