Library
We've made a number of changes at the Central Library this year, some of which include the way we do business. Two of these big changes are the move to self-service holds and self-service checkout.
Here are some FAQs to help explain why we've made these changes, and how they will affect Library users.
Self-Service Holds:
How do you keep patrons from checking out other people's holds?
Self-Service Checkout:
Why is Central changing to self-service checkout?
- Now Available: Online & Self-checkout Credit Card Payments
Have you ever wished you could pay your Library fines/fees online or at the self-checkout stations? Now you can! Online and self-checkout fine/fee payment is one of the final features to roll out in the transition to our new catalog and user accounts...
- Do You Have Your Account Pin Yet?
With the new library catalog & account system in place, we want to make sure we have your account information up-to-date in case we need to contact you. You will also need a four-digit PIN (Personal Identification Number) to use your account. Why...
- Coming Soon: Faster Checkout At All Library Locations
When the new catalog system is installed and running, you'll see another change - self-serve checkout at all of our Library locations. Self checkout has already been a hit with Library users at Central and our newer buildings - it's fast,...
- Holds / Service Questions During Feb Catalog Transition
** Read the New Catalog and Transition FAQ for the most up-to-date info ** As previously posted, Arlington Public Library will soon be upgrading to a new 21st century catalog/account system that will offer library users loads of great features. That...
- Aurora Hills Hold Shelf Goes Self-serve
Although self check-out for materials is not yet available at the Aurora Hills Branch Library, our holds shelves are now self serve. If your name ends with A-L you will find your items to the left of the circulation desk, while M-Z is on the right....
Library
Self-Service FAQs
We've made a number of changes at the Central Library this year, some of which include the way we do business. Two of these big changes are the move to self-service holds and self-service checkout.
Here are some FAQs to help explain why we've made these changes, and how they will affect Library users.
Self-Service Holds:
How do you keep patrons from checking out other people's holds?
Our computer system will only allow holds to be checked-out to the Library accounts with which they were placed. This means that in order to check out your holds using the self-service machines, you will have to have your Library card.Can I check out holds for my wife, child or boyfriend?
Yes, but only if you have that person's Library card.What do I do if I can't find my Library card?
You can get a replacement card for $2 at any Library location.If I know my Library card number, can I type it in by hand at the self-serve checkout terminals?
Yes.Why did Central make the change to self-service holds?
Self-service holds have become standard in the Arlington Library branches over the last 3 years, starting with the new Shirlington Branch in 2007. We started moving to self-serve because it's more efficient and reduces patron wait time for check-out. Self-service is also a growing trend in libraries across the country, and many of our patrons requested it.
Self-Service Checkout:
Why is Central changing to self-service checkout?
Self Service checkout is a growing trend in library systems across the country, because it allows staff to focus on multiple areas of Library business. Self-service checkout has been in place since the openings of the new Shirlington branch (2007), the Plaza branch (2007) and the new Westover branch (2009).How do I pay my fines? Does this mean that there will be no staff at Central Circulation to help me?
Absolutely not - along with 6 self-checkout terminals, we have one staffed terminal for paying fines, issuing and renewing Library cards, and other customer service issues.How does self-service affect Library staff? Will jobs be cut?
These changes do not affect Library staff levels. But utilizing self-service does allow our staff to get more work done.Are all the Library locations going to get self-service checkout?
Three other locations already offer this service: Plaza, Shirlington and Westover branches. We plan to expand this service to Aurora Hills, Cherrydale, and Columbia Pike in the coming months.
- Now Available: Online & Self-checkout Credit Card Payments
Have you ever wished you could pay your Library fines/fees online or at the self-checkout stations? Now you can! Online and self-checkout fine/fee payment is one of the final features to roll out in the transition to our new catalog and user accounts...
- Do You Have Your Account Pin Yet?
With the new library catalog & account system in place, we want to make sure we have your account information up-to-date in case we need to contact you. You will also need a four-digit PIN (Personal Identification Number) to use your account. Why...
- Coming Soon: Faster Checkout At All Library Locations
When the new catalog system is installed and running, you'll see another change - self-serve checkout at all of our Library locations. Self checkout has already been a hit with Library users at Central and our newer buildings - it's fast,...
- Holds / Service Questions During Feb Catalog Transition
** Read the New Catalog and Transition FAQ for the most up-to-date info ** As previously posted, Arlington Public Library will soon be upgrading to a new 21st century catalog/account system that will offer library users loads of great features. That...
- Aurora Hills Hold Shelf Goes Self-serve
Although self check-out for materials is not yet available at the Aurora Hills Branch Library, our holds shelves are now self serve. If your name ends with A-L you will find your items to the left of the circulation desk, while M-Z is on the right....