DAYTON, Ohio — NCR Corp. has announced a partnership with Integrated Technology Group to offer a library self-checkout solution in North America.
ITG, an NCR RealPartner, will offer its Apex XpressCheck library self-checkout software on NCR EasyPoint kiosk hardware equipped with an integrated barcode scanner and printer. ITG selected NCR EasyPoint kiosk hardware for its reliability, serviceability and versatile mounting options.
The solution will be demonstrated at ITG's booth #1872 at the 2008 American Library Association show, being held June 26 through July 2 in Anaheim, Calif.
"Ever expanding their services to include Internet access, DVDs and other interactive options, libraries are increasingly looking toward technology solutions to help make simpler tasks — like checking out books and other materials — an automated process," said Shai Robkin, president and chief executive of Integrated Technology Group. "By offering a self-checkout experience to help accomplish basic transactions, library employees can be readily available to assist visitors with more personalized customer service."
In a typical transaction using the library self-checkout solution, patrons first scan their library card to pull up account information on the kiosk screen. Patrons then scan the items for check-out using the kiosk barcode scanner. A receipt prints from the kiosk to complete the transaction.
Future plans include integrating the NCR EasyPoint kiosks with ITG's radio frequency identification-enabled self-checkout software.
"NCR is pleased to partner with ITG to offer this best-in-class library self-checkout solution," said Richard Arnold, NCR vice president of Retail Industry Marketing. "As a company driven toward self-service innovation and growth, we look forward to working together to explore how technology can empower librarians to improve operational efficiencies and better serve their patrons."
