≥≥

KEY BENEFITS

• Smart chutes check in items 12.3% faster vs. manual discharge.

• Materials are instantly checked in and removed from patron accounts.

• Fines are assessed immediately.

• All library materials are discharged into one tub.

• Most materials are handled one time; Tub to shelving cart.

• Items can be sorted and shelved more quickly; Available to other patrons sooner.

• Receipt printout shows all errors & exceptions.

• Smart chutes discharge 24 hours a day; No need to backdate in the morning.

• No change for patrons when returning materials.

• Customer service issues are reduced (i.e. maximum number of items checked out).

DRAWBACKS

• Some shiny/metallic covers do not discharge.• Items with missing parts are discharged from patron records.• Before library holidays, it is more efficient to turn off the smart

chute and discharge materials manually. • With an “unreadable tag” exception, it is faster to manually

discharge all A/V and shiny covers to find item.• The software needs to be restarted periodically to reset the

system.• Larger branch libraries could find smart chutes overwhelming;

Should consider a sorter.

CHALLENGES

• Multi-disc A/V or items with RFID stingrays may not get discharged.

• Items without RFID tags or broken tags do not get discharged.• Items can be discharged without being physically returned;

Creates potential target for thieves. • May increase number of claims return.

Interior Smart Chute

Exterior Smart Chute

Shelving Carts

Sorting Carts

Height AdjustableProcessing Stations

Interior Book Drop

Exterior Book Drop

Shelving Carts

Sorting Carts

Processing Stations

Workflow Before

Workflow After

S M A R T C H U T E - I N G F O R E F F I C I E N C YB

EF

OR

E

AF

TE

R

To Library Floor

To Staff Room

To Outside

To Library Floor

To Staff Room

To Outside

Interconncect Box:•RFID Reader•Power Supply•AC-Line

Chute with RFID

Antenna Receipt Printer Keyboard

Touch-Screen Monitor

CPU w/SelfCheck Software

SelfCheck Software Screen-Shot

SelfCheck Exception Type

SIP Alert Terminology

Hold in this Library Hold for this library

Transit hold Hold for another branch

Transit Send to another branch

Security Set Failed RFID tag not secured

Check-in Refused Item Assumed Lost

Unreadable Tag RFID tag not read

Exceptions Receipt

To Private Office

To Private Office

To WC

Terry Velasquez, Shawnee Branch Managervelasquezt@jocolibrary.org

Michelle Olsen, Circulation Managerolsenm@jocolibrary.org