Re: Fwd: Paying for printouts from PCs

[STEF <SHUNDSBE _at__ fs1.li.man.ac.uk>]

Hello everybody,

I'm not sure if this is supposed to go to the list, but since I 
haven't got Mr Boughey's email-address I'll send it anyway.


> > Does anyone operate an automated printing system, i.e. one where users
> > DON'T have to give their money to staff?  
> > I know there's one at Manchester Metropolitan University (they're
> > probably quite common in academic libraries) where they have a networked
> > printer with a dedicated printer control PC.  You highlight the print
> > job and pay by putting a pre-paid card in the slot.
> > Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks.
> > .....
> > Bury Reference & Information Services
> > Alan Boughey, Reference & Information Services Librarian
> > Central Library, Manchester Road, Bury, Lancashire, BL9 0DG.
> > Tel. 0161 - 253 6047  Fax. 0161 - 253 5857

The John Rylands University Library at the Victoria University of 
Manchester has an automated printing system. All the printers are 
connected to the network and to readers' print accounts. A print 
account works almost like a normal bank account. When opening such 
print account, the reader has to pay in some money. Every time he or 
she clicks the print button, the amount is deducted from the account.

That way staff is only involved when the account is first opened. 
The readers don't need to contact a member of staff if they want to 
pay more money into their account. That is done automatically via a 
touch-screen machine.
It seems to be working very well and the readers seem to like it. 

I hope that's helpful.
Any more questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best wishes,

Stefanie Hundsberger
John Rylands University Library of Manchester
Manchester
England