Auto Patron Account Updated for Self-Checkout
Are you using self-checkout stations in your library media center? If so, the “Auto Patron” login has been updated for a more efficient and secure self-checkout experience for your student patrons.
What’s New?
When media coordinators log in to their school’s Destiny site with the school library’s “Auto Patron” account, there will now only be a circulation tab, as shown in the image below. Students may check out, check in, or renew books.
To check out books, students can either scan their student barcode OR type their student ID number in the “Find” box and click on the “Go” button. The patron’s name should appear under the “Find” box, indicating that it is okay to proceed with scanning the book’s barcode for checkout (note: after 60 seconds of inactivity, the system will timeout).
If students have an overdue book or outstanding fine, the system will make the warning sound and give them the below message. If they select yes, this will prompt students to check in with the media coordinator who can proceed as needed.
When students who do not have any overdues or fines scan a book’s barcode to check out, the book cover and title should appear, indicating that the book has been checked out.
Students will need to click “Reset” on the left next to the find box before leaving the self-checkout station (or can scan this barcode to reset). The system will reset automatically after 60 seconds of inactivity.
If your students will have a student barcode to scan, here are some sample instructions
If your students will type in their student ID number, here are some sample instructions
(I used Canva templates to quickly create these signs).
Checking In & Renewing
Students will have options available to check books in and renew as well. Teach students about how to use the appropriate tabs, or use this linked image to help get them in the right spot: Circulation Commands.
Thinking About Trying Self-Check Out?
There are some advantages to teaching students to check out their own books:
Gives the media coordinator more time to work with all students to recommend and help select just right books, or facilitate work in centers, etc.
Students spend less time waiting in line or at tables to check out, and can spend more time being productive.
Students feel empowered and independent.
There are also some issues that may arise with self-checkout:
Sometimes a book will not get properly checked out before leaving the library (but it will usually come back).
Students with overdues will get a blocked message and will need media coordinator assistance.
Sometimes the scanner won’t work right.
What You Will Need to Get Started:
Computer or chromebook
Scanner
Auto Patron login info (accounts for each school can be found in the 2021-22 Media Coordinator Drive in the “Destiny Accounts and Guides” folder).
Plan for how you will manage self-checkout.
Signs to post instructions/ barcodes.
Maybe assign student helpers.
Patience as students learn the process and procedure.
Self-Checkout might seem especially challenging in the elementary library. The following article provides some great ideas and resources if you are interested in giving it a try (no matter what grade level): “3 Reasons to Love Self-Checkout in an Elementary Library” by Kelly Hincks .