How to use a self-service autonomous library?
Self-service autonomous libraries provide convenient and fast access to books without the need for a librarian.
On the main screen, you will see two buttons: Login and Catalog. By clicking Catalog, you can view the books currently available in the machine. The Login button takes you to the authentication menu.
How to log in?
To use the machine’s functions, you need to scan your Library Card on the reader below. If the login is successful, the following menu with three buttons will appear:
- Borrow/Return
- My Account
- Logout
Borrow/Return
To borrow or return a book, press the Borrow/Return button. The machine’s doors will open, allowing you to access the books. Select the book you want to borrow. Books are issued for a period of 15 days.
Important: A user can have up to three books at a time. If you already have three books checked out, you must return at least one before borrowing another. Returning a book is done by pressing the Borrow/Return button. The screen will display a list of books you have borrowed or returned, and the doors will close automatically. Do not obstruct the doors, as this may damage the machine. If you didn’t manage to take a book in time, simply repeat the process.
Once all operations are completed, you can receive a receipt via email (make sure you provided your email during registration) or print a physical receipt.
My Account
By pressing the My Account button, you can access your reader’s profile, which displays the books you currently have and their due dates.
Each book (if applicable) will have a Renew button, which extends the loan period for another 15 days. This function is useful if you need more time to finish reading a book.
Obtaining a Library Card
To use the Self-Service Autonomous Library, you must have a Library Card, which can be issued at one of 28 library branches.
Library cards are available only to adult residents registered in Almaty.
How to get a card:
Visit the nearest library branch (a list is available at almatylibrary.kz).
Fill out the registration form.
Sign the consent form for the processing and storage of personal data.