Library book sterilization and contactless lending – the new normal for the local Library.
If there is one thing we know, Covid-19 has changed the way we do most things, library lending is no exception. How can libraries re-start their Library lending programs while keeping staff and patrons safe from the germs books may carry? The answer is contactless lending and library book sterilization.
Contactless Library Lending
holdIT™ automated self-service library kiosk is designed to enable libraries to provide patrons with secure access to library materials by creating a self-service pick-up point. holdIT™ creates a safe interaction for your patron without directly interacting with library staff and can be placed in both indoor or outdoor environments.
How holdIT™ works
Patrons can place items on hold and then pick up and return items at the kiosk. When an item is placed on hold, staff members load the items into a locker. holdIT™ assigns a locker and prints a receipt with a barcode indicating the items and locker number. Once a bin is full of items ready to be loaded into the holdIT™, the staff member scans the barcode on the receipt that is attached to the reserved item and it will unlock the correct locker, place the item in and close the door. The Patron simply scans his user card or enters the library card number and pin and the screen will display the
items and the locker is opened and the items are issued.
Find out more about holdIT™ automated self-service library kiosks.
External Library Returns
The returnIT™ is a fully automated book return machine. It is designed to receive returned items and sort them into different categories.
Sorting can be configured to suit the libraries’ needs and budgets from a single bin to 2, 3, 5 or 30 bins. returnIT™ is designed so you can add a module as more capacity is needed.
The returnIT™ can easily be built into existing interior walls and enables the user to quickly return items.
How returnIT™ works
When a patron places an item into the return slot, returnIT™ automatically recognizes if it belongs to your library. If the item is recognized, a hatch opens, accepts the item and check-in is complete. The item is then taken by conveyor belt to the appropriate bin for sanitization and reshelving.
If the returned item is not recognized as a library item, the hatch remains closed.
Find out more about returnIT™ automated book return machine.
What happens to the library book once it is returned?
One of the biggest issues that will be top of mind for returning patrons is reassurance that the library books and media materials that they borrow are sterilized and safe. The STERI-Book SB-601 Public provides chemical-free sterilization.
How STERI-Book works
A library book is placed on the book holder and the door is closed. When the STERI-Book SB-601 Public is turned “on”, a fan begins to blow, and UVC rays remove particles like human or animal hair, dust or crumbs from between the pages the previous borrower might have left behind. The STERI-Book SB-601 Public is very quiet so it will not interfere with regular library activities. The operation is simple, manageable for library staff and can disinfect up to 12 books per minute!
The STERI-Book SB-601 Public is 100% safe to use by the public and has achieved a 99.9% disinfection test report from testing and research institutes.
Plus, when combined with our holdIT™ and returnIT™ systems, it delivers a full contactless library lending service for your patrons to access without ever having to enter the library.
Find out more about STERI-Book SB-601 Public.
Libraries are in an unchartered territory but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to restart lending programs safely. By putting into place contactless lending, contactless book returns and library book sterilization systems, libraries will be able to get back to serving their patrons safely.
Call us or visit our website at https://www.ristech.com/ for more information.
