Self-Checkout
Skip the circulation desk and borrow books and materials from the Penn Libraries on your own. Download the UPenn Self-Checkout app to scan items with your smartphone, or use one of several Meescan kiosks in the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center and other select library locations.
Where to find a Self-Checkout Kiosk
Self-checkout kiosks are available in the following library locations:
- Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center
- Fisher Fine Arts Library
- Holman Biotech Commons
- Penn Museum Library
- Jean Austin du Pont Veterinary Medicine Library
How to Use the Self-Checkout App
Logging in
- Open the App on your phone
- Tap Start, then tap the Net ID field. This will to automatically bring up the PennKey login page. Log in with your PennKey username and password. The first time you log in, you will be asked to set up two-step verification.
- Once you have authenticated, the app will bring you back to the home screen. You should see your full name on this screen if you have logged in successfully.
Checking Out an Item
- Tap Start to begin the process.
- Tap the "+" sign on the upper right side of the screen. You may need to give the app permission to access your phone's camera. Your camera is needed to scan the barcode of the item.
- Your camera will open. Line up the red line on the screen with the barcode of the book. You should hear a beep noise. This indicates that you have successfully scanned the item's barcode.
If you are unable to scan in a barcode, you can type in the barcode by tapping "type-in Code" under the red line and camera area on your screen. - Repeat for all items you want to check out.
- Once you have scanned all of your items, tap the "Finish" button to confirm.
- You're done! You will receive a loan receipt at the preferred email indicated on your library account. Your due date is included in these notifications and stored in the Self-checkout app. Once the item is returned to the library this information will disappear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to use the Penn Libraries Self-Checkout app?
The UPenn Self-Checkout App can be downloaded from the app store of any Apple or Android smart phone or tablet.
Who is eligible to use the self-checkout app?
All active students, staff, and faculty without blocks on their library account. If you find that you are unable to use the UPenn Self-Checkout app, or you are receiving a blocked user message, please visit the Van Pelt Dietrich Library Center Circulation Desk for assistance.
What collections are eligible for use with the self-checkout app?
Print materials that circulate normally. For example, items on course reserves or loaned for a shortened period of time, items on study carrels or in seminar rooms, reference items, journals both loose issues and bound, rare items, and equipment are not eligible for loan with the self-checkout app. Loaning things to a proxy or carrel is also not available with the self-checkout app.
Can I use the self-checkout app off campus at New Bolton Center or Morris Arboretum?
At this time the self-checkout app is not available for use at the New Bolton Center or Morris Arboretum.
Can I renew items through the app?
Not at this time.