March 22, 2004

COBY offers self-service books

The University Library has a speedy new way for faculty, staff and students to check out books.

The system is called Check Out Books Yourself, or COBY. The machine is designed much like an automated teller machine, requiring a One Card and a personal identification number. It sits next to the circulation desk on the library’s first floor.

The name COBY was an original idea from one of the 206 students who submitted names in the library’s contest to title the new machine. Child development student Terri Stove won for “COBY” and received a $50 gift certificate to the bookstore. Five honorable mentions were given for the suggestions of Otto, Scott or Scot, Alice, E-go, and Hal.

Access service librarian Rhonda Rios Kravitz says the library hopes the campus community will utilize COBY. “It’s fun. It’s easy. It’s convenient,” she says.

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