New Lobby, Self Checkouts & Debit/Credit Services

In response to requests from you, our users, we are making a few changes! We have spent several years planning and saving so that we can offer you the following improvements in Spring of 2010:

RFID

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a way to more accurately and quickly scan materials for check-in and check-out. Many libraries currently use this technology and have found it very effective. This technology will decrease your wait time and the amount of time it takes to get materials back on the shelves.

Self Check-Out Stations

Many of you have also requested a self check-out option. We are adding stations in the check-out area and upgrading the station in the youth area as well so that you can check out materials independently if you choose. We will also continue to provide a check-out desk if you have any questions or wish to check out your materials with assistance from staff.

Debit/Credit Option

As part of the self check-out stations, we will be able to offer the capability for users to pay fines and fees with their debit or credit cards. You have requested this often in the last year, and we are pleased to have found a cost-effective way to provide this service.

Comments From Our Director:

“By reassigning library personnel and having them engage directly with patrons throughout the library to offer assistance where needed, we hope to maximize the impact of our staff resources for public benefit during a budgetary period of “no new hires, but no planned lay-offs either.” With ever increasing use of the library, we had to figure out a way to serve more people with the staff we have now while maintaining high standards… We think this will be a win/win situation and we are very excited to see years of planning and problem-solving result in a solution that will provide a faster, more accurate streamlined check out process for you and better overall collection management. As the first big library initiative in the new year, we are hoping all plans go well and that you will continue to be very satisfied library users. If you base your trust on past performance… then you can be sure that Portage District Library will come through once again for you with a wonderful new service. Stay tuned and watch our website, e-newsletter and monthly inserts in the Portage Gazette for project updates.”