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University of Iowa

University Libraries

Technology Available at the Main Library: How to Use Self-Checkout

Self-Checkout at Main 

The Main Library's two self-checkout kiosks allow patrons to independently access University Libraries accounts, renew items, and check out books, holds, course reserves, and magazines without having to wait in line or interact with someone at the Service Desk. However, the self-checkout machines can occasionally prove tricky to use, so please follow these step-by-step instructions for the best chance at success. 

Checking Out at Self-Checkout

Here's how to check items out at the Main Library Self-Checkout Kiosks:

Step 1: Place your Iowa One Card or your community borrower card with the barcode facing up and scan under the red light.

A hand slides a University OneCard with the barcode up along the bottom left of the V-shaped kiosk bed under a thin strip of red light marking the scanner field.

Step 2: Select the checkout option:

A finger positioned to touch the furthest left of three graphic box options toward the bottom of the home page of the Kiosk touch screen. This option is labeled "checkout."

Step 3: Place your item with the spine down to scan the barcode and desensitize it. Be careful to locate the University of Iowa Libraries' barcode to scan (instead of the manufacturer's barcode). It may be found on the back of the book, on the inside cover, or the first page. Now desensitize the item by sliding the spine against the v-shaped cradle until you hear a "clunk" sound. That means it is now desensitized and won't set off the alarm as you exit.

A hand slides a book along the left side of the V-shaped kiosk bed. The book is opened to allow the University Libraries barcode, which is placed at the top right a page inside this example book, to be detected by the kiosk scanner.

Step 4: The machine will notify you when the item has been checked out successfully. 

The Self-Checkout Kiosk touch screen displays the check-out page for a successfully checked item, Islam: religion, history, and civilization, including the item's title and due date.

Step 5: Select your receipt option. Your item can be now be taken home and enjoyed!

A photo of the kiosk touch screen, which displays the receipt selection page. Three options are available, including Print Receipt, E-Mail Receipt, and No Receipt.

First Floor Self-Service Checkout Kiosk

A kiosk on top of a table. The kiosk consists of a touch screen above a v-shaped bed. There is a scanner window between the screen and the bed that faces the bed in order to detect ID barcodes and University Libraries holdings barcodes.

Fourth Floor Self-Service Checkout Kiosk

The fourth floor self-service checkout kiosk consists of a touch screen above a v-shaped bed. There is a scanner window between the screen and the bed that faces the bed in order to detect ID barcodes and University Libraries holdings barcodes.
Renewing Items at Self-Checkout

Here's how to renew items using the Main Library Self-Checkout Kiosks:

Step 1: Choose "Renew" from the displayed options on the screen.

Step 2: Scan the barcode on your student, staff, faculty, or community borrower ID while using the scanline under the display screen.

Step 3: Tap the checkbox next to the item(s) you want to renew or hit "Select All." Tap "Renew Selected" at the bottom of the page.

Step 4: Choose your receipt option. Your item(s) are now renewed.

Checking Your UI Libraries Account  at Self-Checkout

Here's how to check your UI Libraries account using the Main Library Self-Checkout Kiosks:

Step 1: Tap "Account" from the displayed options on the screen.

Step 2: Scan your student, staff, faculty, or community borrower ID with the barcode side facing up. Please scan your ID using the scanline under teh display screen.

Step 3: The following screen will list your "Items Out," "Holds," and any charges or fees. You can click on each of these items for more information. At the bottom left, you can select "Go to Check Out" if you have other items to check out. Click "Print/Email Report" if you would like a receipt listing your items. Select "Done" once you are done looking through your library account.