Self-checkout kiosk setup

Let patrons check books out themselves from a tablet — no staff required.

Setting up

Visit yourlibrary.tryshelfwise.com/self-checkout from any tablet browser. Add to home screen for full-screen mode.

What patrons do

• Identify themselves (card number, name, or email)
• Scan their book(s) one at a time
• Confirm checkout
• Receipt prints (if configured)

Identification options

• Library card barcode (scan)
• Member's first + last name (type)
• Email (type)

Hardware

• Any iPad (8th gen+) or Android tablet
• Optional: USB or Bluetooth barcode scanner — any standard scanner works
• A wall mount or stand
• A receipt printer if you want printed receipts

What it doesn't do

• Returns (use Returns flow at staff desk)
• Renewals (patrons do these themselves in their portal)
• Holds (patrons place these online)
• Lost/damaged reporting (staff only)

Configuring

Settings → Kiosk:

• Enable/disable identification methods
• Set kiosk timeout (auto-return to start after inactivity)
• Enable receipt printing
• Customize the welcome message

Security

The kiosk only allows checkout — no edits to patron accounts, no admin access. Safe to leave unattended.

Troubleshooting

• Scanner not working — check it's set to "keyboard wedge" mode
• Patron not found — they need to be in your library; have them sign up first
• Book not checking out — book may be missing a barcode; assign one in Catalog