Technologies for designing and implementing user self-service workstations in libraries

Abstract

   Using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in libraries has become the reality. Their design and implementation methods are well defined. However, lacking financial and technical resources in Russian regions prevent them from using commercial solutions in regional libraries. Based on the experience of implementing RFID-technologies in Russian libraries, experts of the Kuzbass State Library for Children and Youth (Kemerovo) accomplished preproject research and commissioned self-service workstation (with designed hardware, developed database, established interaction with OPAC-Global ALIS). The stages of designing self-service station for Kuzbass State Library for Children and Youth are characterized. The requirement to the hardware comprising www-server, sensor display, receipt printer, and 3D-scannerfor barcode, are specified. MySQL environment was chosen for designing and implementing of self-service workstation configuration. The authors present its advantages and disadvantages in library services. The corresponding use statistics for Kuzbass State Library for Children and Youth is provided. These workstations save user time, enable to computerize many processes and to improve the technology of library services on the whole.