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Roseville libraries report heavy self-checkout use, roll out smartphone checkout app
Summary
Library staff told the board that self-checkout handled 88% of physical checkouts from July–December 2024 and described a new Roseville Public Library smartphone app that integrates with security gates for contactless checkout.
Library technology staff told the Roseville Public Library Board on March 24 that customers are using self-service technology for the majority of physical checkouts and that the library is rolling out a smartphone checkout app this month.
"In the six-month period from July to December 2024, almost 300,000 physical items were checked out from the libraries. Eighty-eight percent of those were checked out on the self check," Rachel Frouse, a library technology supervisor, said at the meeting. Frouse said the automated check-in and sorting systems speed processing and free staff to help patrons with research, programming and other services.
Frouse described self-check kiosks at each branch, an automated return conveyor and sorting system, public computers that guarantee two hours of daily use per patron (extendable), and remote printing that lets users send print jobs from home. She said the new Roseville Public Library app, introduced this month, lets patrons scan an item’s barcode with a smartphone to check it out; the app integrates with the library’s security gates so patrons do not trigger an alarm on exit.
Alex Guillen, a librarian working with the catalog interface, described the library’s migration in June 2023 to Aspen Discovery for the public catalog and the companion Aspen Lita app, which lets patrons manage accounts, place holds and borrow digital formats. Staff also noted access to online services such as Libby, Cloud Library, Hoopla and Kanopy; Hoopla and Kanopy provide cross-device access for audio and video materials.
Board members asked about a discrepancy between total checkouts and automated check-ins; Frouse said the difference is expected because staff still check out some items at service desks and renewals also affect monthly tallies. Several board members praised the library’s role as a free community resource for media, internet access and printing assistance.
Library staff said the app and catalog features are intended to increase convenience and to allow staff to prioritize in-person assistance.
