Fresh Image, More Time, and Enhanced Customer Services Thanks to Modern Self-Service
"Oh wow, you’ve gone all modern!" Visitors to the Campus Library at the Thurgau University of Teacher Education (PHTG) are excited. And the library team is even more enthusiastic: "Now we have more time for you!" How come? Simple: Alongside a new media return system with sorting, the Campus Library has introduced three brand-new self-service kiosks.
The Nex.Kiosks Nordic and the Nex.Return significantly reduce workload at the counter, which previously handled both advisory services and media transactions. "There are no queues at the desk anymore!" explains Library Director Anja Strassburger. "Personalized service is very important to us. Thanks to the new self-service solutions, we can focus more on people and their questions."
With a wide-ranging audience – from university staff to teachers from kindergartens, middle schools, and high schools across the Thurgau region – the need for advice is as diverse as the library’s visitors. The service desk, once a seven-meter-long barrier between staff and patrons, has now been reduced to just two meters. "We are much closer to our users and can research together directly on the PC. This has been a huge success!"
Minimalist, Custom-Fit Media Return
The new three-way sorting media return has made daily operations significantly more efficient and ergonomic. The custom-built RFID solution was seamlessly integrated into a bookshelf wall, requiring minimal space. The compact sorting module with two electronic bins is visible to all – especially children, who love watching how quickly the media is transported and disappears into the bins.
A third bin, dedicated to reserved materials, is located in a separate room, where the team can efficiently process holds. "This allows us to provide reserved items to users much faster. The new sorting system has sped up and simplified this process enormously," says Anja Strassburger. Previously, staff had to manually sift through piles of returned books to find reserved items.
The electronically adjustable bin shelves now enable ergonomic working conditions, and the RFID system offers additional benefits: Books returned by mail can be processed into the system much faster. "Workflows are now far more efficient, and the team is freed from monotonous routine tasks," says Anja happily.
Photos © Antoinette von Massenbach
About the Thurgau University of Teacher Education and Its Library
Located in Kreuzlingen/Switzerland on Lake Constance, the PHTG offers scientifically grounded and practice-oriented training and continuing education for teachers at all primary and secondary school levels. The university also trains specialists in early childhood education. The Campus Library provides an extensive selection of teaching materials and educational resources – including books, eBooks, project kits, films, and journals. It also offers creative teaching ideas, the latest research literature, and a wide range of digital media.
More information at PHTG.