Most libraries that allow their books to be borrowed have at least one circulation desk (also known as an issue desk). The library users choose books to borrow and then take them to the desk where a member of library staff checks out, or issues, the books.
Self issue or Self Check is when the library users can check out books to themselves rather than relying on a staffed circulation desk. This is particularly useful in busy libraries, where self-service may reduce queues, and in partially staffed libraries, where there are times when the circulation desk is not staffed.
Ceridwen Self Issue Client
The Ceridwen Self Issue Client software can provide library users with the ability to check out books to themselves rather than relying on a staffed circulation desk. It presents a graphical interface to the library user and communicates with the back-end library system via a network. It is not itself a library system or catalogue.
The Ceridwen Self Issue Client software is Java based and available under an Open Source (GPL v3) license. It supports any library system running the 3M SIP protocol (SIP2). It can also work with barcode readers and JavaCard compatible RFID readers. Whilst it can be made to work with security systems, it also has a special Trust mode for libraries without a security system who just wish to allow their patrons to record when they have taken a book. It can also be configured to automatically run in an offline backup mode when the library system is unavailable.
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Ceridwen 3M SIP Circulation Library for Java
The Ceridwen Self Issue Client uses 3M SIP version 2 (Standard Interchange Protocol, developed by 3M for library self issue) to communicate with a suitable 3M SIP enabled library system. 3M SIP is an industry standard protocol for patron checkout of library materials.
The Ceridwen 3M SIP Circulation Library for Java is an Open Source (GPL v3) implementation of the 3M SIP version 2 protocol (SIP2). It includes both client and server implementations and support both telnet and socket based communications.
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