Star Printers Are Everywhere!

Despite an improving economic picture, public institutions and private entities alike continue to harness technology as a means of doing more with less. The San Diego Public Library system, which now utilizes a solution that includes TSP100ECO direct line thermal printers from Star Micronics, is no exception.

The San Diego Public Library serves the informational, educational, and recreational interests of San Diego, California residents at 33 branches throughout the city. Needing a way to serve an increasing number of patrons despite staffing shortages, the system sought the assistance of Library Automation Technology, Inc. (LAT) in Somerdale. N.J. LAT is a provider of library patron self-checkout systems for public, school, government, and hospital libraries. The company offers complete system design, manufacturing, and software development along with system installation and support.

Over a period of several months, LAT installed more than 30 of its FLASHSCAN® Self-Checkout systems, plus assorted peripherals, at various branches of the library. The solution is still being deployed in other branches as well as “renewed” at some locations where it has already been implemented, according to LAT President Oleg Boyarsky.

Instead of a traditional, “manned” checkout desk, patrons bring the materials they would like to borrow to the FLASHSCAN unit for self-checkout via a scanner or RFID reader. Using the TSP100ECO printer, they then generate their own slips indicating when the materials are due to be returned.

The TSP100ECO has several attributes that make it a perfect fit for the San Diego Public Library’s self-checkout configuration. A print speed of 28 receipts per minute and a partial cutter keep patrons moving quickly through the checkout process. Advanced  power management  circuitry reduces printer current consumption by up to 75% compared to standard Star printers, which not only makes the unit the most economic printer in its class; it reduces “book slip” printing expenditures as well.

As the world’s first environmentally friendly printer, the TSP100ECO also offers a number of features that minimize the environmental impact of printing—another “plus” for the sustainability-conscious library system. Notably, the unit uses 70% less paper than other printers.