Rostraver Public Library offers touch-free system for checkout

By CHRISTINE HAINES

chaines@yourmvi.com

The Rostraver Public Library now offers patrons a nearly touch-free system for checking out library materials.

The automated system allows patrons to scan their library cards, then scan the materials they want to check out.

“They are the only ones interacting with their cards and the item,” said librarian Naomi Cross.

The final step involves the patron touching a button on the computer screen to print a receipt, but Cross said the screen is wiped down after each use. She said the library had wanted to install the system in the past, but it was cost prohibitive.

“There was a countywide opportunity to make things more accessible. The device was more affordable if multiples were purchased because of the pandemic,” Cross said. “We had thought of it in the past to make the workflow easier.”

Cross said the system, with the hardware and software, cost more than $2,000.

“We received a donation from the Friends of the Library to purchase it,” she said.

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