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CheckOut app

Borrow books using your Android device

CheckOut icon

‌The Library has a new app that will let you issue books yourself using your android device called "CheckOut".

The most obvious advantage of using this app is no longer having to queue for a self-issue machine in order to borrow a book, but there are other advantages that come with it, too. Firstly, the app will recommend similar books on the same subject, or by the same author, when you scan an item, allowing you to browse the shelves virtually.

You can also view your account via the app, allowing you to renew items remotely by scanning them, and check if you have any overdue or recalled items.

You can download this app on the Google Play store or search "UoM Checkout".

FAQs

Why can't I scan an item?

Scanning issues

  • Disruption occurred between device and tag during scanning process
    (Resolution: Carefully rescan the item making sure the device is in contact with the tag throughout the process)

NFC issues

  • NFC isn’t enabled
    (Resolution: Enable NFC in device settings)
  • No NFC capability
    (See a list of NFC capable devices)
  • NFC capability is present in OS but battery has been replaced
    (The NFC aerial is usually situated on the battery)

WiFi issues

  • No WiFi signal present
    (Resolution: Move to a known WiFi hotspot)
  • Intermittent WiFi signal present
    (Resolution: Move to a known WiFi hotspot)

Why can’t I find the tags on some items?

Tags on certain items can be located on different parts of the book. Search the back and front covers of the book to visually locate the tag

CDs/DVDs

  • Tags on CDs can be placed either on the case or on the booklet or on the CD ring 
    (Resolution: Search the CD booklet, Case or CD to visually locate the tag)
  • Tags on DVDs are located under the cover and may not be scannable.
    (Resolution: Carefully move the phone over the DVD case until the item scans or remove the DVD cover to visually locate the tag)

Why can't I log on?

Password issues

  • Password not entered correctly
    (Resolution: Carefully re-enter password)

WiFi issues

  • No WiFi signal present
    (Resolution: Move to a known WiFi hotspot)
  • Intermittent WiFi signal present
    (Resolution: Move to a known WiFi hotspot)

Why can't I check out an item?

Logon issues

  • You haven’t logged on
    (Resolution: Logon)

Scanning issues

  • Disruption occurred between device and tag during scanning process
    (Resolution: Carefully rescan the item making sure the device is in contact with the tag throughout the process)

WiFi issues

  • No WiFi signal present
    (Resolution: Move to a known WiFi hotspot)
  • Intermittent WiFi signal present
    (Resolution: Move to a known WiFi hotspot)

Account issues

  • You have overdue items
    (Resolution: Return overdue items)
  • You have exceeded your book limit
    (Resolution: Return one or more books)
  • You are blocked because of unpaid charges
    (Resolution: Pay outstanding charges)

Item issues

  • Item is a reference book
  • Loan policy of item restricts borrowing rights
  • The item is recalled or has an active reservation

What if the item says it's already on loan?

There are two possible reasons:

  1. You've already checked the book out.
    (Resolution: Log-on to verify if the item is on loan to you)
  2. If not, the book is on loan to another user although the book has not been physically taken
    (Resolution: Please report this to the Customer Service desk)

Why do I need to scan twice to check out an item?

Two scans are required:

  1. To retrieve the item details
  2. To check out the item to your account

How can I check the item has been issued to me?

There are two ways to check:

  1. Check your account via the app
  2. Check your account via My Manchester or Library Search

Why can't I renew an item?

WiFi issues

  • No WiFi signal present
    (Resolution: Move to a known WiFi hotspot)
  • Intermittent WiFi signal present
    (Resolution: Move to a known WiFi hotspot)

Account issues

  • You have overdue items
    (Resolution: Return overdue items)
  • You have exceeded your book limit
    (Resolution: Return one or more books)
  • You are blocked because of unpaid fines
    (Resolution: Pay outstanding fines)

Item issues

  • Loan policy of item restricts renewal rights (eg: High Demand items)
  • The item is recalled or has an active reservation

Why doesn't the renewal date change?

  • The default renewal date for normal items is the end of the academic year

Why can't I see related items?

WiFi issues

  • You are not connected via Eduroam
    (Resolution: Connect via Eduroam as connections via 'UoM WiFi' or 'Mobile data' won't return related items)
  • No WiFi signal present
    (Resolution: Move to a known WiFi hotspot)
  • Intermittent WiFi signal present
    (Resolution: Move to a known WiFi hotspot)

Item issues

  • No related items exist

How do I return an item checked out by the app?

Where can I get further help?

In the Main Library

  • Customer Services desk
  • Library IT help desk

Online

  • Library website
  • Library live chat

Where can I give feedback about the app?

In the Main Library

  • Customer Services desk
  • Library IT help desk

Online

  • My Manchester
  • Google Play store

Why is this only available on Android?

Unfortunately Apple do not currently allow third-party developers to fully utilise the NFC functionality within IOS devices and therefore we cannot port the app to the iPhone until they unlock this capability.