I can't check out books at the self-checkout machine? What can I do?
Solutions to the most common problems at the self-checkout machine.
Answer
Checking out books at the self-checkout machine is usually quite straightforward. However, sometimes patrons need guidance from our staff. We have gathered the most common cases where you can go wrong at the checkout machine.
First the card and PIN code, then the books
First, select Check-out on the screen. Then display the barcode of your library card under the red beam with the barcode facing up. The machine will also recognise the barcode on your phone screen. The machine will then prompt you for your 4-digit PIN code. After that you can set the books on the scanning bed. Place the whole pile of books on the bed and wait for the machine to do the job and lend the books on your card. Library books have an RFID tag inside the back cover, which allows the machine to identify the book and borrow it. The books also still have barcode stickers, but you don't need to use them.
What is my PIN code?
Have you forgotten your PIN code? You got to choose your own 4-digit PIN code when you downloaded your library card on Tuudo. (Some SeAMK students automatically have a PIN code that is the first four digits of their ID number.) If you have changed your PIN by yourself and don't remember it any more, you can change it again by logging in to SeAMK-Finna and choosing My Account -> Profile. Other patrons can also change their forgotten PIN code under Profile in SeAMK-Finna.
Did you pick up the book you requested from the trolley?
You can pick up your requests from the book trolleys next to the library door. You can check the books out at the self-checkout machine. Requested books are sorted into the book trolleys based on the library card number. There are separate trolleys for old and new library cards, as well as for Tuudo mobile library cards and SAMO student cards. Please check that the numbers on the slip between the book matches your card number. You can find the number below the bar code.
It is important that you pick up exactly the book you have requested. Self-checkout machine cannot checkout a book which someone else has requested.
Do you have the right library card?
Make sure that you are trying to borrow the books with a SeAMK Library card. Check that you didn't put the barcode on the book first. The machine will not recognize the user in this case.
Do you have any unpaid fees?
The machine will notify you if your fees have exceeded a maximum of 10 euros and will not let you check out the books. You can pay overdue charges at the library's customer service desk during opening hours or by online payment by logging into SeAMK-Finna.
Is your library card still valid?
If you have not used your library card for a long time, your card may have expired. Please contact the library's customer service to check and update your account details.
NB! You can only take out books from the library which you have checked out to yourself. In case of any problems, please contact the staff or send an e-mail to kirjasto(at)seamk.fi