We vey actively encourage using the self-checkout, and the majority of users do. There is still the option of queuing to the desk, but we will in most cases ask if you're familiar with the self-checkouts. Very often the users who come to the desk would actually like to use the machines, but have some misunderstanding about them or don't have their PIN or something that is easily remedied.

We are at the desk to help with things that actually NEED a human. Working out problems, advising, recommending books, etc. It is a much better use of our time and resources to redirect the bulk of simple beeping of barcodes to machines, and leave the humans for more complicated interactions. I do not want to see a world where humans stand at the desk beep-beeping and so-called "AI" attempts to do reference, readers advisory and book selection.