Self-checkout for library patrons of borrowed items is a reoccurring item. Is it time for the library to allow patron self-checkout? How trusting do we want to become since self-checkout would allow the patron to desensitize items, potentially bypassing our anti-theft systems. Based on system cost, what's it worth to us?
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Having people at the front counter gives us an opportunity to interact with our patrons. Last week I read: "It is interesting that the user values the behavior of the librarian often more than the answer". Personally, I think that applies to ALL front desk staff.
ReplyDeleteCassell, Kay Ann, and Uma Hiremath. Reference and Information Services in the 21st Century. 2nd ed. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc., 2009. p.29. Print.