Using the USask Library Self-Checkout mobile app
Install
- Install the app from the Play Store or Apple App Store:
- Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ca.bintec.meescan.c12452699
- iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/usask-library-self-checkout/id6806408985
- Allow the app to access your device's camera (to scan barcodes). Without access to your device's camera, you will not be able to scan the barcode of items you want to checkout, you will have to enter them manually.
- Allow the app to access your device's geolocation, i.e., GPS (to verify you are inside the library building for checkouts). Without access to your device's geolocation, checking-out item will not work.
- The app may also ask for access to Bluetooth. This is used along with GPS to help pinpoint your location. Without Bluetooth, the app may have reduced location accuracy which could impact functionality. Access to your device's Bluetooth is optional, but recommended.
Login
You have multiple options for logging into the app:
- Manually enter your NSID and password OR
- Scan your library barcode OR
- Manually enter your library barcode
Once you are logged in, you can select the green button at the bottom to get started. Three options are presented:
- Check Out
- This option will only be active if you are inside a USask Library location
- Using your phone camera, scan the barcode(s) of the item(s) you would like to borrow. If the barcode will not scan, you can type it in by clicking on the keyboard icon.
- Barcodes will be on the back cover of the book, or on the inside of the back cover of the book.
You may need to move your phone up and down for it to capture the barcode. There is a line going thru the scanning box, try line up the barcode with this line.
- NOTE: do not select Finish until you are done scanning the barcodes of all the items you want to checkout.
- Tap Finish when you are done scanning items.
- Your due date receipt is emailed to your USask email address OR the email you provided the USask Library if you do not have a USask email.
Once item is scanned > it is checked out. The only way to get it off your account, is to return the item to the USask Library. During
library hours of opening, you can return items by putting them in the Return bin located near each Library Services desk. There are also or in the over-night bins located outside of each library after closing.
- Account: Shows how many items currently checked out, as well as any fines.
- If you see a a red circle with a white X, this means you are not within a library location, so you cannot check out items. This red circle will turn green with a white check mark once you are inside a USask Library location.
- Switch Patron: This allows another user to login and use your app. THIS IS NOT RECOMMENDED due to potentially checking out books using the wrong user's login.
- Log Out: Click here to log out of the app.
- My Library: Takes you to the USask Library website.
Self-checkout app FAQs
I've scanned the barcode of an item I do not want to check out. How do I get it off my account?
Once a barcode has been scanned using the app, there is no way to remove it. Once scanned, it is checked out to you. You will have to take the item and return it to the USask Library. All locations have a return bin near their Library Services desk, and all libraries have a bin to return items after hours.
There is no wifi connection in this part of the library.
There are known "dead spots" in some places in USask Library locations. Consider taking your items to a better spot in the library and check them out where there is a better wifi connection.
There is more than one barcode, which one do I scan?
USask Library barcodes are located at the top of the back cover, or at the top inside the back cover. They look like this:
Sometimes, books will have an ISBN barcode, usually at the bottom of the back cover. Do not use these barcodes, they will not work.
My phone won't scan a barcode.
- Using the barcode reader requires good lighting. You may need to move to a location in the library that has better lighting. You can also turn on your phone flashlight by clicking on the flashlight icon within the scanning box.
- If a barcode(s) will not scan, click on the keyboard icon within the scanning box. This allows you type in the barcode number. If typing in a barcode, include any + signs.
Be careful to type the correct barcode. Double check the name of the book that appears in the app after you type in the barcode. Make sure it is the correct item. If you accidentally type in the wrong barcode, you could become responsible for a book you did not checkout.
An item I want will not checkout using the app.
Some library items do not circulate and, therefore, cannot be checked out. For example, Reference items are not available for checkout. A message will appear indicating an item is not available for checkout if you scan the barcode of any of these items.