Library customers opt for self-service
Self-service kiosks now account for 61.34 per cent of all Far North Library transactions after the technology was officially launched in January 2022.
Self-service kiosks now account for 61.34 per cent of all Far North Library transactions after the technology was officially launched in January 2022.
The kiosks enable library users to check out their own books, magazines and other library materials, as well as renew books and view account details.
The system is similar to supermarket self-service kiosks and uses radio frequency identification tags inside library items. Library users simply scan their library cards under a motion activated laser. The user’s account information then appears on the kiosk screen, followed by prompts on how to check out items.
Users can view information on fees they owe, books they have on hold and can perform transactions in a range of languages, including te reo Māori. The kiosks also accept library card details stored within phone apps, like the Far North District Libraries app.
The self-service option now accounts for a majority of library transactions across the rohe. Transaction figures for the council’s six libraries are:
- 51.09% transactions at Kawakawa Library
- 53.94% at Kaeo Library
- 54.21% at Kaikohe Library
- 60.58% at Kaitāia Library
- 63.49% at Paihia Library
- 64.09% at Procter Library.
Library staff say the contactless system is reducing customer queues and has freed them up to plan and deliver more library programmes such as Minecraft workshops, Lego club, arts and crafts, story time and more. You can view all upcoming events at each library on our website and find out more about council libraries here.