1. Idea: Enabling self-checkout via a mobile device.

2. Rationale: The 3M self-checkout machines are relatively expensive to purchase and maintain. Many library patrons are already carrying the hardware (smartphones and tablets) to access the library catalog and display barcodes to a scanner.

3. Improvement to the Library: By using patron’s own mobile devices for checkout the library can expand the availability and utility of the physical collections at a much lower cost than a self check machine.

4. Plan Outline

1. Items could be checked out via web catalog.
2. A receipt for the transaction would then be emailed to the user. The receipt contains a barcode.
3. The barcode in the receipt email could be scanned by holding up the mobile device to a barcode reader.
4. Then the item to be checked out would be scanned.
5. The barcode reader would communicate with Aleph via a basic networked computer. Low cost, no dedicated monitor or keyboard/mouse needed. These could be machines that would otherwise be surplused.
6. If the receipt information and item information matched, an adjacent demagnetizer would be turned on so the items security strip would be deactivated.
7. In the event that an item is checked out via this method, but not actually demagnetized after a certain time, for example 4 hours, the patron would be notified and the item would be returned to available status in the catalog.

5. Resources Needed: Some additional barcode scanners and demagnetizers would need to be purchased. The required computers could be purchased or existing machines that are not longer suitable for other uses. Some programming time and expertise would be required to implement the required data transmission to and from Aleph.