The Run Run Shaw Library at City University of Hong Kong has launched a quick and easy to use system that lets users check out books by themselves. The SelfCheck System, the first of its kind among local universities, will help the Library deal with the growing number of users accessing resources. An official opening ceremony was held on 10 October to promote the new service.

 

This new system exemplifies CityU’s commitment to providing students and other users with a user-friendly learning environment and to adopting innovative technology to support learning and teaching, as outlined in the University’s Information Services Strategic Plan 2005-2010.

 

Professor Steve Ching, University Librarian, said the number of people using Library resources and facilities, especially in the evenings and at night, had risen substantially.

 

“Our records showed that the number has increased by 10% in the past three years, resulting in a significantly high circulation of materials. To meet the fast-growing demand, we believe that the solution lies in automation and self-service,” he said.

 

“With full support from Dr J T Yu, the Chief Information Officer, we brought in the self check technology and we know that we are on the right track. The system marks the beginning of a self-help culture, encouraging users to check out books by themselves instead of queuing in front of the counter,” he added.

 

Dr Yu officiated at the launch and the Ceremony culminated in Dr Yu using one of the SelfCheck Units to borrow a book.

 

The system is easy to use and the procedure takes no more than one minute. Users put their smartcard on a reader and align the book's barcode with a scanner. They receive a receipt when check out is complete.

 

The two SelfCheck Units are positioned inside the Library foyer next to the reference counter, allowing users to check out books not only when the Library is open, but also when the Circulation Counter closes early during weekends and public holidays. The Circulation Counter will continue to operate as normal.

 

To encourage use of the service, the Library has introduced the Gift Parade, which lasts for a month. Users with CityU smartcards can enter a lucky draw once they have accumulated three receipts on different days to win a prize. After using the system, Dr Yu, who had already collected two receipts, became the first person to enter the lucky draw.

 

With the increased number of users during evenings and at night, the Library has recruited a team of Service Ambassadors through the Student Development Services to provide timely assistance to users during busy hours. They will also station near the SelfCheck Units to help users familiarize users with the new service. These ambassadors are student helpers participating in the On-campus Service Learning Scheme (OSS). The Library believes that the Service Ambassadors initiative will provide students with opportunities to work in a real-life servicing environment and at the same time help enhance Library services.

 

During the opening ceremony, the Library introduced another new service, the bookdrop service at the student hostels starting from 14 October, a move which broadens the scope of the Library’s services.

 

With the help of the Facilities Management Office, books will be collected according to a fixed schedule and transported to the main campus. The bookdrop will be located at Hall 4 and Hall 5 of the student residence, making life more convenient and flexible for students since they will not have to walk back to campus to return books.