User's Manual

Introduction: System Overview 1-7
Patron Checkout and Check-In
Patrons use Self-Checkout Stations to checkout library materials. Self-Checkout Stations
include a patron card reader, an RFID tag, a touch screen monitor, and a printer in one
compact unit. This provides the patron with library transaction capability without any
librarian assistance. A patron scans the RFID Patron Card and library materials,
identifying the patron and linking the library materials to the individual through a
communications session with the Library Management System via the Intelligent Library
Controller.
When the patron checks out materials, the patron and checked out item information is
stored in both the LMS and ILS databases, allowing ILS to operate in both on- and off-line
modes. When materials are checked out from a Self-Checkout Station, the ILS asks the to
the patron to checkout items from the LMS. If privileges are granted then a checkout
request to the LMS is generated for each item.
If the patron is checking in library materials, the ILS makes a check-in request to the LMS,
which updates its database and reports the result back to the ILS.
Staff Checkout and Check-In
The library staff typically uses a Staff Station Reader in situations where a patron needs
help from a librarian or when a librarian is checking in or checking out library materials.
The Staff Station Reader interrogates tags and functions the same as current bar code
scanners used in Library Management Systems.
Book Return Check-In
The Staff Station Reader can also be integrated into a book return slot. When library
materials are placed in the book return, the tags on the items are read and sent to the LMS.
The LMS then updates its database and passes back the transaction status to the ILS.