Birmingham

Baldwin Public Library installs self-check machines

By Tiffany Esshaki
C & G Staff Writer

» Click on image to view full size « Photo provided by Baldwin Public Library Circulation assistant Liz Volpe demonstrates how to use the self-check machines at Baldwin Public Library. Photo provided by Baldwin Public Library Circulation assistant Liz Volpe demonstrates how to use the self-check machines at Baldwin Public Library.

BIRMINGHAM — Avid readers, rejoice. The Baldwin Public Library now offers three self-check-out machines that, according to Assistant Director Matt Church, will make borrowing books simpler and quicker than ever.

According Church, the machines operate much like the ones you’ll find at a grocery store. Upon check out, patrons can scan their library card and then follow on-screen prompts to borrow their materials. Two of the machines are placed near the circulation desk, and one is located in the Youth Room. Guests can still receive service from library staff, but Church said this is just another option people can take advantage of.

“You don’t need to wait in line to check anything out any longer. It was added as a convenience service, so you can grab your hold, go check it out quickly, and be on your way.”

The machines even offer options for remembering the date materials are due. Guests can get a printed receipt or get a receipt emailed to them. There’s also an option to sign up for email reminders, so than an email will be sent a day or two before something is due reminding the borrower that they’ll either need to renew their items or return them.

The Baldwin Public Library board and the Birmingham City Commission gave the go-ahead for the project last year, according to Library Director Doug Koschik. He said in a press release that the technology was approved to allow the library to operate more effectively and efficiently. Church confirmed, saying that the commission saw the approximately $30,000 venture, $10,000 per machine, as a good long-term investment of tax dollars.

The next big project for the library, said Church, is an automated sorter. The machine would pull items from the library’s drop box onto a conveyer belt, check them in, and drop them into a bin so staff can reshelf them. Despite all the technological advances, he said the library is not looking to eliminate staff.

“No one is going to lose jobs, but we’ll be able to use staff more effectively. And as people leave, we’ll be able to fill positions more creatively. We won’t have someone standing there scanning item after item. A machine will take care of that.”

Church said that over the next year, the library board will be in talks for a potential remodel of the facility in general, which may come in the form of a building upgrade or possibly an expansion. It’s too early to speculate what the board will decide, but Church said that for now, the self-check machines are a welcome addition to the library.

“We’re excited. People know this technology, they’re pretty comfortable with it, and we’re pleased that we can finally offer it.”

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Tiffany Esshaki at tesshaki@candgnews.com or at ( ) - .