What are the V6 Self Loan Station and Envoy Software? The V6 is FE Technologies’ flagship self-loan kiosk, equipped with a powerful 23-inch portrait-oriented capacitive multi-touch screen. It runs the Envoy software to provide a genuine, intuitive self-service experience, which has achieved a 100% success rate for first-time users.

What kinds of transactions can patrons perform on the V6? Patrons can perform a wide variety of tasks including borrowing, returns, renewals, account management, placing holds, and viewing book recommendations. Patrons can check out multiple items simultaneously, and the system allows them to instantly unselect and remove an item from their digital list if they change their mind before finalizing.

Will the kiosk still work if the library’s network goes offline? Yes, the V6 features a robust offline mode that continues to genuinely validate patron IDs and enforce borrowing rules like loan limits and blocked accounts. It utilizes a securely synced patron and item file hosted in Microsoft Azure, allowing it to seamlessly process transactions and automatically upload them once the connection is restored, without requiring any staff intervention.

Is the V6 accessible for all library patrons? Absolutely, the V6 is fully compliant with ADA accessibility guidelines and WCAG standards. It includes a “Reachability Mode” that repositions all interactive elements to the lower half of the screen for seated access or individuals of shorter stature. Additional accessibility features include text-to-voice capabilities, customizable font sizes, and a high-contrast display mode for low-vision users.

How does the system assist patrons who speak other languages? The Envoy software supports 43 different languages, including Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, and even a playful “Pirate” theme. Users can easily select their preferred language from the bottom of the screen, and all text blocks will automatically translate for the duration of their session.

Can patrons pay fines or fees directly at the kiosk? Yes, the V6 offers fully integrated payment options for fines, fees, and bills. It integrates seamlessly with credit and debit card terminals from major vendors like Comprise, Nayax, and Windcave, and can also be equipped with an integrated Coin and Note Acceptor that accurately processes cash and dispenses change.

How are book recommendations provided to patrons? Through a seamless integration with Syndetics Unbound, the Envoy software automatically generates book recommendations based on the library’s specific holdings. Patrons can immediately place these recommended items on hold directly at the self-loan station without needing to jot down titles to search for later.

Can library staff customize the kiosk’s interface and error messages? Yes, staff can use the centralized Management Console to easily change themes, colors, and layouts without requiring any IT or coding knowledge. The console allows staff to tailor transaction workflows, schedule digital signage and screensaver advertisements, and easily translate standard SIP2 error calls into completely customizable on-screen messages that fit the library’s specific business rules.

What happens if a patron gets stuck or has a blocked account? The software includes a context-sensitive help system that offers detailed pop-ups, animated step-by-step visual guides (like the “FE Helper” character), and an option to request staff assistance. Additionally, if a patron encounters a block (such as reaching a borrowing limit), an authorized staff member can scan their admin card to instantly override the block directly at the kiosk, allowing the transaction to continue smoothly.

What is the Envoy software? Envoy is FE Technologies’ market-leading self-checkout software designed to provide a genuine 100% self-service experience with a 100% first-time user success rate. It operates on the V6 Self Loan Station and is engineered to be highly intuitive, engaging, and easy to use for patrons of all ages and abilities.

What transactions can patrons perform using Envoy? Patrons can perform a wide range of tasks including borrowing, returning, and renewing items, managing their accounts, checking the status of holds, and receiving reading recommendations. The software also allows users to pay fines, fees, and bills directly from the main menu or when prompted.

How does Envoy assist users who need help during a transaction? Envoy features a multi-layered, context-sensitive help system. Patrons can tap a “More Information” button to view detailed pop-ups about their current step, or press “Request Staff Assistance” to alert a librarian. Additionally, the software offers an optional “FE Helper”, an animated character that provides step-by-step visual demonstrations for tasks like unlocking a DVD or placing items on the checkout pad.

Can library staff customize the Envoy interface? Yes, staff can use the centralized Management Console to easily change themes, colors, screen layouts, and workflows without needing any IT or coding knowledge. Staff can also translate SIP2 error calls into completely customizable on-screen messages that align with their specific business rules. Furthermore, staff can schedule screensavers, digital signage advertisements, and out-of-the-box themes (such as festive or seasonal designs) on a calendar.

How does Envoy handle book recommendations? Through an integration with Syndetics Unbound, Envoy automatically generates book recommendations based on the library’s specific holdings. Patrons are shown 3D book jackets to easily differentiate between books and CDs, and they can seamlessly place these recommended items on hold right at the kiosk.

Is the Envoy software accessible for all patrons? Yes, the software is fully compliant with disability accessibility guidelines and WCAG standards. It features a “Reachability Mode” that repositions all interactive elements to the lower half of the touchscreen for seated access or individuals of shorter stature. Patrons can also manually select their preferred font size and screen brightness at the start of their session, and a text-to-voice feature is available to convert onscreen instructions into spoken words.

How many languages does the Envoy software support? The software currently offers 43 different languages, including Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, and a fun “Pirate” theme. Users can simply select their preferred language from the bottom of the screen, and all text blocks will automatically translate for the duration of their session.

What happens if a patron encounters a block or borrowing limit? Envoy strictly enforces the library’s business rules and will display a customizable red pop-up alert with a buzz sound if an item is not for loan or a borrowing limit is reached. However, Envoy includes a Staff Over-Ride feature; an authorized staff member can scan their admin card directly at the kiosk to instantly bypass the block and allow the patron to complete their transaction.

Does Envoy still work if the library’s network goes offline? Yes, Envoy features a robust offline mode that continues to genuinely validate patron IDs and enforce borrowing rules. It relies on a locally accessible patron and item file securely synced via HTTPS from Microsoft Azure. This allows the software to safely process transactions, display patron names and item titles, and automatically upload the queued data once the connection is restored, all without staff intervention.

Can patrons choose how they receive their transaction receipts? Yes, Envoy gives patrons the option to receive a printed receipt, an emailed receipt, or no receipt at all. If a patron does not have an email address listed in the Integrated Library System (ILS), the email option is automatically hidden. The content and layout of the receipts are fully customizable using an HTML editor.

Can patrons access other websites through the Envoy software on the kiosk? Yes, libraries can configure the software to allow access to external third-party sites, such as city payment services, the library’s OPAC, event pages, or other community pages. To ensure security and keep the kiosk focused on library services, this access can be locked down to just those specific pages or areas, preventing patrons from general, unrestricted web browsing.

How can the library use the kiosk screens for advertising? The Envoy software allows libraries to display advertising using both static images and videos. Advertisements can be placed across the top header of the screen, presented as pop-up alerts, or run as a screensaver when the unit is not being used. Additionally, the system supports a “set and forget” approach by taking an automated feed directly from your existing digital signage system, such as Communico or a video feed.

Can we schedule specific advertisements or pop-up alerts? Yes, library staff can configure advertising screens and pop-up alerts to occur at specific times or on specific days. The software also features a customizable countdown option, which can be configured to pop up at selected intervals to warn patrons of upcoming events, with messages like “Library Closing in 15 minutes” or “Storytime starting in 30 minutes”.

How do the screen savers work when the kiosk is not in use? When the self-loan station is inactive, a screensaver can serve as a static or moving digital advertisement. Staff can easily manage this via the centralized Management Console, uploading their own images and videos using the suggested sizing guidelines. If the library does not want to create its own media, FE Technologies provides a built-in file of modern, retro, and amusing images and videos that can be used immediately.

Can we schedule different visual themes along with the advertising? Absolutely. In addition to configuring advertising, libraries can quickly change the interface’s themes, colors, and designs through the Management Console without needing any IT knowledge. FE Technologies offers a variety of out-of-the-box seasonal, festive, and playful themes (such as a “Pirate” theme for children’s areas). These themes can be set to a calendar schedule so the kiosk automatically switches to the desired design on the correct date.