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#Post#: 20414--------------------------------------------------
Do you have to try and fail at the library's self scanner first?
DIR By: Bada
Date: November 30, 2018, 5:01 pm
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I've started going to the library recently with my toddler. I
keep having trouble with the scanner (it doesn't recognize the
bar code, it times me out, whatever). The librarian keeps
running over to help me, and once even took the pile and did it
all herself since the self scanner wouldn't work.
What's the etiquette on just asking for them to scan my books
from the start? Does that make me look like a Special Snowflake?
They appear to just be sitting at the desk 5 feet away and
watching, since they always start offering tips and suggestions
as soon as I have problems and then they come over once I hit a
snag. But can I skip the part where I have trouble and just ask
for them to do it? It's really not a lot of fun to do self
checkout with a toddler, ever.
I know at CVS they told us we could ask to be checked out by a
person rather than using the self checkout if no one was working
at the register. So, having gotten permission, I feel less
awkward doing it there... But at a library? What say you,
Librarians and Library Patrons of BM&B?
#Post#: 20417--------------------------------------------------
Re: Do you have to try and fail at the library's self scanner
first?
DIR By: georgedillo
Date: November 30, 2018, 6:55 pm
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Librarian and library manager here: that self-check station is
there for your convenience, not ours, so if it’s not convenient
for you, don’t use it! At my library, we’re more than happy to
check your books out for you, especially if the machine is
acting up. Never be afraid to ask, that’s why we’re there, and
we want the process to be easy and pleasant for you!
#Post#: 20419--------------------------------------------------
Re: Do you have to try and fail at the library's self scanner
first?
DIR By: Rose Red
Date: November 30, 2018, 8:08 pm
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I'm confused. Why don't you go to the librarian counter to begin
with? All the libraries I visit have the choice of self-scan or
librarians doing the checkout (similar to a grocery store). Is
this not the case with your library?
#Post#: 20428--------------------------------------------------
Re: Do you have to try and fail at the library's self scanner
first?
DIR By: Bada
Date: November 30, 2018, 8:50 pm
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--- Quote from: Rose Red link ---
>
> I'm confused. Why don't you go to the librarian counter to
begin with? All the libraries I visit have the choice of
self-scan or librarians doing the checkout (similar to a grocery
store). Is this not the case with your library?
>
--- End Quote ---
Sorry! I managed to miss a crucial background detail:
The first time I went to this particular branch they directed me
to the self scanners when I brought my pile of books up to the
librarian at the desk. I can't remember exactly what they said,
but they definitely indicated that the self checkout was the
place to start, not at their desk.
#Post#: 20463--------------------------------------------------
Re: Do you have to try and fail at the library's self scanner
first?
DIR By: Tea Drinker
Date: December 1, 2018, 9:03 am
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It would be entirely reasonable for you to go straight to the
checkout/service counter, and if the person there tells you to
"try" the self-checkout first, tell them "I did that my last
four visits, and wound up needing help every time. Let's skip
the step where a librarian stands there watching me and my
toddler get frustrated."
#Post#: 20465--------------------------------------------------
Re: Do you have to try and fail at the library's self scanner
first?
DIR By: ZekailleTasker
Date: December 1, 2018, 9:21 am
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Tea Drinker, I am with you!
We don't have the self check out option at my branch but we do
have it downtown and it's annoying! Sometimes it works,
sometimes it doesn't, sometimes it works for a while, then quits
on you.
What really appalls me, though, are the librarians who just sit
there and indicate the self scanner when they have the ability
to help right next to them in the form of their own scanners.
If that were my library, I could probably even tell you the
names of the two staff members who are insisting you try the
self scanner first. One of the library staff's (I use staff to
include both professionals and support staff) most important
jobs is to chat up the patron, note the kinds of books they like
and to confirm they found what they are looking for. Checking
out books is one of the ways my staff and I stay on top of
trends and popularity of items. (Sure we can look at data
later, but data doesn't actually talk to you and ask for similar
items. Also, just because 15 patrons checked out Liane
Moriarty's "Nine Perfect Strangers" doesn't mean that's really
the book they all wanted. Nor does having 20 patrons check out
and of the Fifty Shades mean we need to lay by more of them.)
I know my library board would think this was good customer
service. (Their solution to our short staffing is "Tell the
patrons to do it themselves. Behave like you are Walmart
greeters.") I may be making an assumption, but if people are
sitting there, not moving and spouting instructions from afar,
it says they aren't interested in me.
#Post#: 20490--------------------------------------------------
Re: Do you have to try and fail at the library's self scanner
first?
DIR By: pierrotlunaire0
Date: December 1, 2018, 4:31 pm
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You also have a toddler with you! The last thing I need when
using a piece of technology I don't use daily is the distraction
of a small child (or, as is usual in my case, a spoiled cat).
Could you juggle your books in one hand while holding onto your
toddler's hand, and then look over to the staff, while saying,
"Could I have your help checking these out? My hands are a
little full."
#Post#: 20547--------------------------------------------------
Re: Do you have to try and fail at the library's self scanner
first?
DIR By: Thitpualso
Date: December 2, 2018, 4:59 pm
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Jumping in from the librarians’ point of view.
If you’re checking out a movie or a novel for simple
entertainment, the self-checkout is fine. If you’’ve got
several non-fiction books we want to talk to you. Library
patrons don’t always realize that the reference interview works
both ways. We may be able to give you advice about the most
recent and decent books we have on your topic. You might give
us some tips about material we should have but don’t.
Don’t be shy about coming to the desk. Most of us enjoy
chatting with patrons and we aren’t being nosy. We want to know
what interests our public so that we can better serve them. By
talking to you we learn a lot about subjects that never
interested us but quite possibly should.
#Post#: 20582--------------------------------------------------
Re: Do you have to try and fail at the library's self scanner
first?
DIR By: lakey
Date: December 3, 2018, 1:27 am
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--- Quote ---
> If you’’ve got several non-fiction books we want to talk to
you. Library patrons don’t always realize that the reference
interview works both ways. We may be able to give you advice
about the most recent and decent books we have on your topic.
You might give us some tips about material we should have but
don’t.
--- End Quote ---
This is great advice. I can imagine that patrons who engage in a
hobby, research, or activity could give valuable suggestions
for future purchases.
As far as OP's checking out goes, I would simply say, "I ALWAYS
have trouble with the self scan, if you don't mind, I would
prefer to check out with you."
#Post#: 20596--------------------------------------------------
Re: Do you have to try and fail at the library's self scanner
first?
DIR By: DaDancingPsych
Date: December 3, 2018, 8:04 am
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Lots of great advice. We really do not know the backstory of
your particular library. We really do not know if they NEED you
to use the self-scanner or WANT you to. I think the best way to
figure this out is by asking beforehand (lots of great wording.)
I had not realized that the librarians were fact finding when
they were chatting with me at check-out (and all this time I
thought they were simply friendly!) I imagine that it may be
helpful to know if patrons are finding the self-scanner to be
frustrating. They may be able to use this information to find
better ways to serve the public. I would ask for assistance and
see what happens.
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