20676KTO@MSU.BITNET (Kriss.Ostrom) (02/08/90)
We use the 3-M security system in the Michigan State Univ Library. This system requires that items be "desensitized" before they can pass through the exit gates without causing an alarm to sound. The self-charge idea at first is exciting, but it seems totally impractical because we cannot imagine a process that would eliminate the need for a library staff person to desensitize the item. If you can't eliminate the staff interaction, what is the advantage of self charge? We'll have patrons waiting to have items desensitized instead of waiting for items to be charged ... We have MANY, MANY, MANY higher priorities for NOTIS enhancements that WOULD result in staff savings in large academic environments, many of which would seem to require fewer programmer hours. What am I missing that makes self-charge a high priority? (Perhaps NOTIS users who want it don't have security systems?)