Plan Your Self-Check Station

Surpass Cloud Self-Check works as a self-service kiosk, which is a public computer station set up for a single task. Typically, while Self-Check is active, the computer won't be available for any other functions. Depending on your needs, you can set up your self-serve station as a full-time or part-time kiosk running Self-Check.

Full-Time Self-Service Kiosk

You can run Self-Check on a dedicated computer which is used only for Self-Check. Patrons can use the self-service station at the same time you are working and circulating materials at the circulation desk.

Part-Time Self-Service Kiosk

If having a full-time kiosk isn't ideal for your library, then you can offer Self-Check
when your library is unmanned for a period of time. Before you leave, simply start Self-Check and situate your barcode scanner and monitor for patrons to use.

What Kind of Computer Should I Use for Self-Check?

Self-Check can be used on most any device with a modern web browser and internet connectivity. This includes computers running Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS, and even tablets such as iPads.

One consideration to make is whether you will use a touch-screen device or a device with a keyboard and mouse.

Touch-Screen

With a tablet or a computer equipped with a touch-screen monitor, you can lock away the keyboard and mouse for an ideal, easy-to-use, full-time kiosk. Self-Check can be configured to use an on-screen keyboard for patrons to use when logging in.

Keyboard and Mouse

Self-Check can also be set up to run on a computer with a keyboard and mouse, but patrons would be able to close the Self-Check browser or tab and/or to use the station for other purposes.

What Else Do I Need for Self-Check?

Barcode Scanner

As your patrons use Self-Check, they will need to enter their own patron IDs as well as barcode numbers for the books and other items they check out. By far the easiest, most error-free way to do this is by scanning barcodes. While Self-Check can be used without a barcode scanner, we strongly discourage it as doing so will significantly reduce the ease and usefulness of your Self-Check station.

Surpass Cloud Admin can be used to print barcodes for your patrons and resources, and you may already have a barcode scanner that you are using with it. For your Self-Check station, you will probably want to purchase an additional barcode scanner. Though most any will work with Surpass Self-Check, we recommend using a wide beam barcode scanner with a stand. In most cases the scanner can remain in the stand so that patrons can simply pass their books or other items under the beam without the need to pick up the scanner at all.

Barcode scanners typically attach to computers using either a USB cable or Bluetooth wireless. Bluetooth is typically used for connecting barcode scanners.

Receipt Printer

With a slip printer installed (Windows and macOS only), Self-Check will automatically print a receipt slip at the end of each user session. These slips are handy for patrons and staff alike, and they serve as great reminders for your patrons to return their items by the due date!