Circulation Card Tap Machine UX Study
Research Question
Circulation staff are observing problems with the Circulation Card Tap machine:
• Cards have not been reading properly when tapped on the card pad
• The script is pulling the wrong identifier from ncStudent cards and failing to bring up the student account
• How do we streamline the script so that ncStudent cards respond the same at both campuses when tapped
History
- Ryan Morris created a script and contacted Galen to update files on EG server. Ryan had asked Galen if it is possible to have a process in place that will update tap barcodes daily. Please see the email string for progress: email
- This process is similar to patron import as the plain text files for the tap barcodes come from People Soft and are place on the Obrien server.
- We currently have 4 tap readers; two have been installed at each campus library’s circulation desk.
- The script has been adapted once for DJP and is now working properly, However, the WC tap readers are pulling the wrong identifiers. The tap readers will need to be reprogrammed. Joe Sorrenti is the contact that will give instructions on how to do this.
- * UPDATE * On Nov 23, ITS fixed the tap reader problem at WC library and the system is reading the correct 9-digit identifier for student ID cards. Testing took place on Nov 26 with students and their cards while checking out library books.
Method
We tested the tap pads ourselves and spoke with Circulation staff. Having quickly discovered several problems, no further user testing was required.
Results
The WC library tap card readers are successfully working (on 11 / 26 / 2021) with student cards. No further testing is required; only if issues persist.
