RFID (radio-frequency identification)
RFID tags are most commonly found on materials in libraries utilizing AMH and Self Checkout systems, as these tags serve to improve the efficiency of the checkout and checkin process. While these tags may be used throughout these libraries, barcodes are also applied to the library's materials to ensure scanability in non-RFID libraries. RFID tags can also aid in providing extra security to library materials through the use of security gates. RFID, security gates, AMH, and self-checkout are typically sold in a package by a third-party vendor, but can be purchased separately as long as the ISO 28560-2 data model is used consistently throughout the library's tagging.
AMH (automated materials handling)
Automated material handlers, often referred to as "sorters" typically work in conjunction with RFID to improve efficiency of material checkin and sorting processes. These machines occupy a small back room at the library, where various checked-in items are sorted into several bins that can then be redistributed to their appropriate sections of the library by library staff. Sorters reduce the labor needed by library staff to checkin and hand-sort items. Modern sorter technology often supports barcode scanning in conjunction with RFID.
Self Checkout
Self Checkout systems are prevalent throughout SWAN libraries, as they allow the checkout of materials without the need to visit a library service desk. Self Checkout systems are offered by several SWAN-supported vendors, and can either come with all hardware combined (typically touch screen, printer, barcode reader, RFID reader, and computer) or in software-only solutions depending on the offering vendor. Self Checkout does not need to include RFID (all systems include barcode readers), although libraries using RFID witness a benefit in greater ease and efficiency of checkout.
Kiosk (OPAC)
Online Public Access Catalog kiosks are computers or devices dedicated to displaying the library's online catalog. Libraries can use almost any device capable of displaying a webpage to accomplish this and there are many different hardware and software options available. RAILS provides SWAN-member libraries with a free license to TeamSoftware Solutions' Public Web Browser software. View SWAN's guide for getting started with Public Web Browser.
Room and event reservation
With library meeting and workspaces in high demand, several vendors offer online solutions for providing patrons a means to schedule and reserve spaces in the library using their library card. Additionally, these services typically offer event scheduling to notify patrons of upcoming library events and serve as an attendance organization system.
Mobile app/discovery
For patrons looking to access the SWAN catalog on their mobile devices, several third-party vendors offer Mobile or Discovery apps that integrate with the SWAN catalog database to permit searching materials, placing holds, and access to the patron's library account. These apps must be downloaded from the respective mobile app stores and often use a library's own branding, depending on the vendor's offerings.
SWAN also offers Aspen LiDA as SWAN Libraries+, available to all libraries. See SWAN Mobile App for details.
Digital media
Digital Media subscriptions are available to our libraries from a variety of third-party vendors and offer digital checkout items in the form of eBooks. videos, and music. All of which are typically accessible on desktop computers and mobile devices through specific software and apps. While this content can be accessed exclusively through the third-party apps, libraries can also offer links to these digital catalogs on their websites, and, in some cases, third party content is accessible through APIs in Aspen and BLUEcloud Mobile, or through side-loaded records in Aspen.
Reference databases
Similar to Digital Media, Reference Database subscriptions are available to our libraries from a variety of third-party vendors and offer research information on topics ranging from business information to comic books. These databases are typically accessible from two sources: links on the library's website, and, when compatible, through the search engine of the library catalog, where they're integrated through the EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS). In both cases, these databases typically authenticate patron logins through the Open Athens service.