Self-Service in Central Lending Library

Central Lending Library has now introduced Self-Service. This means that you can issue, discharge and renew your items yourself. The aim of Self-Service is to modernise the library service and allow us to provide a better, more personalised experience. With staff being freed from standing behind counters, we hope to be more accessible to customers. The new facilities will mean a more convenient system as there will be less queuing and more staff around to ensure a quicker service.

When you walk into the Lending Library now, you will see a very different layout. There is a large display area with our latest books and DVDs on display (DVDs will still need to be issued at the counter). There are enquiry and registration counters, and a help desk near the entrance. There are six Self-Service kiosks meaning that it should be a much quicker service. Central Lending staff are enthusiastic about Self-Service. The opportunity to be in closer contact with the customer, coupled with their knowledge of books to recommend, will make the Lending Library a vibrant and dynamic service area.

Don't Bin Your Pin!
With the introduction of Self-Service it will be important that every user of the library knows their PIN. Currently the PIN is used for our online facilities such as online reservations and checking your account. The new kiosks require that you know your PIN for issuing your own items. When you place books in the machine you will be prompted to insert your library card and type in your 4-digit PIN. The PIN is unique to each person and without the card or the correct PIN you cannot use the Self-Service machines. Of course you canchange your pinto one that is more memorable. You can ask any member of staff in the Central Lending Library to do this for you, or you can do it yourself online. Over the next few months look out for for the Know your PIN campaign.

Using the Self-Service Kiosks
The Self-Service kiosk is a key feature of the new Self-Service facilities in the Central Lending Library. Below are some of the questions and answers concerning the kiosks and their use.

Q: Are the kiosks easy to use? How are they operated?
A: The kiosks have clear and simple touch-screen controls. The kiosks also use light indicators. For example, when you need to collect your book-issued receipt the receipt slot is illuminated.

Q: What about accessibility for children or people in wheelchairs?
A: The kiosks are all at the same height and are DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) compliant.

Q: Do the kiosks cater for speakers of different languages?
A: There are different language options available such as Chinese and Arabic.

Q: Where do I place the books I have returned?
A: To the side of the kiosks are large bins into which you will post the returned books. When you discharge a book an arrow will appear on the screen instructing you to place the books in either the right or left book bin. A Bin Full Sensor will indicate to staff when the bin needs emptying.

Q: If I have a fine, how do I pay?
A: Payments will be taken at the Enquiry desk. At a later date, chip and pin or coin payments options will be available at the kiosk.

If you have any more questions about the kiosks and self-service in general please speak to a member of staff or e-mailcentral.lending.library@birmingham.gov.uk