Baldwin Now Offering Self-Check Out Service

Checking out at Baldwin Public Library just got a little faster.

The library now has three self-check out machines stationed near Baldwin's circulation desk and in the Baldwin Youth Room.

"Many people are familiar with this type of service from visits to the grocery store. It's quick, easy and gives our patrons an option to help themselves," said Matt Church, Baldwin's associate director.

The machines were purchased through the library's capital project fund, with the full support of the Baldwin Public Library Board and the Birmingham City Commission, library director Doug Koschik said. The two desktop models at the circulation desk cost $9,096.75, Church said, while the kiosk model in the Youth Room cost $10,718.50.

"This sort of technology enhancement will allow us to operate more efficiently and use our staff more effectively," Koschik said.

The self-check out machines aren't the only area where Baldwin is going automated. The library is also pursuing an automated sorting machine which would process the books, DVDs and other materials returned by library patrons. The machine will check the items back into the library and sort them sort them for shelving.