- Kyle Chua
Singapore Library Launches Grab-N-Go Self-Checkout System
Updated: May 19, 2022
The National Library Board (NLB) today launched the new pilot "Grab-n-Go" self-checkout system to make borrowing books even easier.
The new system allows patrons to grab the book they want to borrow and it will automatically be checked-out as they exit through the gantry. The pilot starts on Wednesday, 18 May 2022 at the Level 5 Study Lounge of the National
Library Building. Patrons can pick from a collection of up to 5,000 English, Chinese Malay and Tamil adult titles.
The borrowing process is simple. First, the patrons will have to scan their IDs or NLB eCards at the gantry upon entering. After which, they can browse the library's selection and find the titles they want to borrow. Up to eight books can be borrowed at a time. Then, they'll have to take the books to the gantry, where they will once again have to tap their IDs or NLB eCards to confirm the loan to exit.
The pilot project is part of NLB’s ongoing efforts to take advantage of modern technology to enhance the experience for its patrons under its LAB25 (Library and Archives Blueprint 2025) plan. The gantries, for instance, leverages Ultra-High Frequency Radio Identification technology to enable the convenient "grab-n-go" experience. It's also one of the replacement services for the Central Public Library as it temporarily closes on Monday, 13 June 2022 for scheduled renovations.
“We are always keen to try new ways to enhance our patrons’ experience at our libraries and archives," said Mr Ng Cher Pong, NLB Chief. "RFID technology has enabled self-checkouts at all our libraries, and now, with the Grab-n-Go pilot, the checkout process will be automated, which will make it even more convenient for our patrons."
The NLB said that after the pilot's run early next year, it'll evaluate its usage and feedback it receives from patrons before determining future rollout plans of similar self-checkout systems at other public libraries.
"We hope to roll out more Grab-n-Go systems in time, to enable our libraries and archives to be the go-to learning marketplace," added Mr Pong.
The National Library Board (NLB) today launched the new "Grab-n-Go" pilot system, which enables patrons to automatically check-out the books they want to borrow as they exit through the RFID gantries.
The pilot starts on Wednesday, 18 May 2022 at the Level 5 Study Lounge of the National Library Building.
The NLB said that after the pilot's run early next year, it'll evaluate its usage before determining future rollout plans of similar self-checkout systems at other public libraries.