Hello Lisa, There are two free and open source software and hardware devices designed to support self-service functionality especially in Koha libraries. They are licensed with GPLv3 and CERN OHL so there are basically two ways to get them - 1. you could assemble these devices yourself, or 2. you could use a support company to help you out. Since I believe this mailing list is not a platform for private companies to advertise their services, I'll try to provide as generic description of these devices as possible and share some of our knowledge as the author and the developer. The self-service checkout device "Lainuri" is targeted to Koha libraries. It has a simple "plug & play" type of installation and integration to Koha. It currently works by screen scraping the staff client, but it is being upgraded to use Koha's REST API. SIP2 can also be supported. "Lainuri" is Finnish and directly translates to "Checkouter". [1] The author company Hypernova has a short YouTube presentation of Lainuri prototype, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2TXL8H4BrA (with English subtitles) [3]. Please note that this is not yet a production unit and the GUI is constantly going through upgrades as we speak. Then there is the access control device "Toveri". It can be integrated with Koha to further extend self-service hours. It reads patron's library card and requests Koha to grant door access. It supports opening hours directly defined in Koha and can restrict access by various Koha patron statuses. The product name "Toveri" translates to "Companion" or "Buddy". It is already being used in production by many Koha libraries in Finland and has proven to withstand extreme weathers. [2] Lainuri and Toveri can be assembled from a large selection of casing materials. Also, laser engravings give these devices a fresh look of your choice. Excuse us for the lack of more international demo content as we have so far been mainly targeting Finnish Koha libraries. But both devices support localization and are designed to work where-ever Koha works too. I'll be happy to let you know more about these devices and perhaps arrange a demo unit to your library. Sources and links [1] https://www.hypernova.fi/lainuri-self-checkout-machine/ [2] https://www.hypernova.fi/toveri-access-control-device/ [3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2TXL8H4BrA Lari Taskula CEO, Hypernova Oy +358449857337 Kauppakatu 25 C 409 80100 Joensuu, Finland On 11.5.2020 21.09, Lisa Peel wrote:
Hello everyone
I am hoping those of you with experience of implementing self-service with Koha would be able to give me some assistance.
We are looking at implementing self-service in order to extend our service hours – however I have little experience of this, especially what hardware would be needed.
Am I right in thinking that it is not actually necessary to buy one of the very fancy free standing units I have seen in many supplier catalogues? We have no alarm system in any of our libraries (there are six of them, most of them relatively small with less than 3000 items each, no RFID). Ideally I need to find a cost effective solution, ideally something which would also incorporate generating a receipt (so students have proof of check in).
Could anyone advise me of what we would need and possible price?
Regards
Lisa
Mrs Lisa Peel Head of Learning Resources, SEG Services Swiss Education Group ________ Avenue des Alpes 62 CH-1820 Montreux, Switzerland Mobile: +41 (0)79 228 0151<tel://+41(0)792280151> Skype: biblio1897<skype://biblio1897> www.swisseducation.com<https://www.swisseducation.com/en/> Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/swisseducationgroup> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/swisseducationgroup/> | Linkedin<https://www.linkedin.com/company/seg-swiss-education-group>
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