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Improving library technologies allow patrons greater autonomy. One such technology, self-checkout kiosks, puts patrons in virtual control over their circulation experience. Whereas previously patrons had to approach circulation staff to check out, now this can be done privately. The impact self-checkout has on the circulation of potentially embarrassing or controversial materials is unknown. In this study, select lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) and non-LGBT materials at Central Michigan University's Park Library were anonymously tracked for one academic year to determine if they circulated via self-check or the traditional circulation desk. LGBT materials circulated twenty percent more via self-check, indicating that patrons appreciated the machines' privacy.

Introduction Wolfgang Iser, in 'The Reading Process: A Phenomenological Approach,' states, 'The fact that completely different readers can be differently affected by the 'reality' of a particular text is ample [...]

Sandra L. Planisek. Reliving Lighthouse Memories: 1930s-1970s. Mackinaw City, Mich.: Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association, 2004. Pp. 262. Illustrations. Index. Cloth, $19.95; paper, $13.95. Sandra Planisek, director of the Great [...]

Improving library technologies allow patrons greater autonomy. One such technology, self-checkout kiosks, puts patrons in virtual control over their circulation experience. Whereas previously patrons had to approach circulation staff to check out, now this can be done privately. The impact self-checkout has on the circulation of potentially embarrassing or controversial materials is unknown. In this study, select lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) and non-LGBT materials at Central Michigan University's Park Library were anonymously tracked for one academic year to determine if they circulated via self-check or the traditional circulation desk. LGBT materials circulated twenty percent more via self-check, indicating that patrons appreciated the machines' privacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]