A changing public
Visitors, external users and exchange students can use self-service without downloading an app or creating an account on their phone.
Prestalib Smartphones · Library-owned devices
Prestalib Smartphones.
Self-service, where you need it.
Turn your library’s smartphones and tablets into shared self-checkout points. Users sign in on the library device and record their loan or return without installing anything on their own phone. One of Prestalib’s two solutions, compatible with most modern library management systems via SIP2.
RFID and barcode · Nothing for users to install · Movable between floors
How it works
Three steps,
nothing to install.
The device belongs to the library, so the user just walks up and operates it.
- 01
Sign in on the device.
With institutional credentials or a library card, depending on your library’s configuration.
- 02
Read the item.
The device identifies the book or item by its RFID tag or barcode.
- 03
Done.
The loan or return is recorded in your library management system and the item’s security state is updated.
HF RFID uses the device’s built-in NFC. UHF RFID uses an external reader placed next to the terminal and connected via Bluetooth. We check the reader and tags during implementation.
What it solves
What it solves
in your library.
No dependency on the user’s phone
Covers anyone without a compatible NFC phone, anyone out of battery and anyone who prefers not to use their own.
RFID and barcode
HF RFID tags through the device’s own NFC and UHF through an external reader connected over Bluetooth, plus barcodes. Security is handled according to your library’s configuration.
Placed where it is needed
At the desk, next to a specific collection or on the busiest floor. If demand changes, the device moves with it.
Cheaper to deploy and replace
These are consumer devices, not dedicated units: adding or replacing a point requires no building work or bespoke hardware budget.
Works alongside what you have
It connects to your library management system and runs alongside any self-checkout machines you already have.
The scope of each feature is validated against the library system, device and agreed configuration. Compare with a self-checkout machine
Compatible with most modern library systems via SIP2
Connected to your
library system.
Like the app, Prestalib Smartphones connects to the library management system you already use, respecting user authentication and your circulation policies.
Explore integrationNothing to install
The device
belongs to
the library.
Supported from the start
From the first conversation
to the first checkout.
Review your library
Your library system, RFID, authentication and the services you want to offer.
We configure your solution
We adapt the app or the devices to your branding and connect the agreed features.
Test together
We validate borrowing, returns and permissions with test items and accounts.
Support your launch
We prepare implementation, support and updates.
The other solution
My Prestalib App
Borrowing and returns on the user’s own phone, with your university’s branding and phone reminders.
Frequently asked questions
Library devices,
answer by answer.
What is Prestalib Smartphones?
It is the Prestalib self-checkout solution that runs on library-owned devices. It turns one of your smartphones or tablets into a shared self-service point: the user signs in on the device, reads the item and records the loan or return in the library management system, with nothing to install on their own phone.
How is it different from My Prestalib App?
In who owns the device. My Prestalib App is installed on the user’s own phone and travels with them around the library. Prestalib Smartphones runs on a library-owned device, placed wherever the library decides. They are two equal solutions and many libraries offer both.
Does the user need to install anything?
No. The user identifies themselves on the library device and completes the transaction there. That makes it the right option for visitors, external users and anyone without an NFC-compatible phone or who prefers not to use their own.
Will any smartphone or tablet work?
We review the model, operating system and item-reading capability with your team before launch. The terminals read HF RFID tags with the device’s built-in NFC and UHF RFID tags through an external reader placed next to the terminal and connected over Bluetooth; barcodes are also supported.
Does it replace a self-checkout machine?
It covers the same job with a consumer device instead of dedicated hardware, so it is cheaper to deploy and replace and can be moved between floors as demand changes. A machine handles sustained volume better. It coexists with any equipment you already have.
Does it connect to our library management system?
In most cases, yes. Like the app, Prestalib Smartphones integrates via SIP2. We build the connection to the one you already use, respecting your user authentication and circulation policies.
Your next step
Your quote,
in two minutes.
Starting prices on show, a compatibility check and a formal PDF quote for your university, without waiting for a call: the access link goes to your institutional email.