With up to 24 weeks off in the academic year, students may not always have access to their campus libraries during operational hours. This may lead to delays in book returns, heavy fines or time-consuming stock-take issues for staff.
Thanks to a new innovation from AdvaNova, students can safely return books out of hours – without needing to speak to a staff member or even enter into the library itself. The 24/7 External Return bin takes pressure off university staff while giving students a fully digitised, secure and easy method of returning library items.
What is the 24/7 External Return bin?
The 24/7 External Return bin is a revolutionary new product based on existing book return hardware. It was custom-built by AdvaNova to supplement the existing 24/7 External Return Chute from FE Technologies. Students and visitors can activate the chute out of hours using their items’ RFID tag. Only items appropriately tagged will trigger the chute to open, allowing borrowers to return their books on time and have their transaction recorded.
Previously, the External Return Bin was only available as a fixture for exterior walls on library buildings. Thanks to the new developments from AdvaNova, it can now be a freestanding piece of hardware that is adaptable enough to go anywhere around campus, ideal for students with additional access needs.
How does the 24/7 External Return bin work?
Using Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID), the bin scans library items that have been labelled with an RFID tag. It features three operating modes, indicated by colour-coded lights:
- Blue: Chute is available for use and ready to scan
- Green: Chute is open and ready for deposit
- Red: Chute cannot be accessed.
A user simply places the book’s tag onto the RFID reader pad, which will activate the bin and turn the blue light to green, opening the chute. The book goes in and this data is fed back into the LMS, notifying library staff in real time that the book has been returned.
Features of the 24/7 External Return bin
The bin is completely tamper-proof, protecting it from inclement weather and vandalism. If a user forgets to close the chute after use, an alarm will sound. There is also an optional digital timer module, helping library staff to customise return times based on their preferences.
Each bin comes with a bright, large customisable front screen detailing instructions on how to use it. There are also sounds to accompany status lights for the hard of hearing. After placing the book against the reader, users can return items safely in three simple, guided steps.
Improvements on existing return chutes
The existing technology offers a completely secure solution thanks to an electronic interlock feature, when connected to the software.
Our new innovations take this one step further. The 24/7 External Return chute does not need to be affixed to a university library building. This means there are fewer security and heating loss concerns, as well as more flexibility for installation.
What’s more, it’s totally customisable. Libraries can choose their product based on colours and sizes to reflect their branding and book capacity. As a fully mobile bin, there is no risk of malfunctioning if it is placed too close to a Smart Bin or Security Gate. This makes it fully operational, wherever and whenever – giving students the freedom to return books as they please.
The 24/7 External Return bin in practice
The bin has had successful implementations at University College Dublin and Galway University, and an implementation in Trinity College Dublin due imminently, giving library staff and students an easier solution for returning items.
With fully secure, weatherproof collections, libraries can now keep track of their stock in real time and reduce return delays. We look forward to rolling out more return bins throughout the UK and Ireland’s academic campuses, without restrictions on location.
Specs and statistics
- Design compliant for Access and Mobility standards
- Stainless steel chute
- Vandal resistant
- Customisable colours for external enclosure
Improve stock management with the 24/7 External Return bin
For a truly customisable, robust and secure book returns solution, contact AdvaNova today. Our teams would be happy to produce a return bin based on your unique requirements, ready for installation throughout your campus.
