Print Management Software for Libraries

Computer lab

Print management software allows library patrons to print and pay for documents independently, without the assistance of library staff. Most software packages on the market allow libraries to track printer usage and reduce paper waste, while preserving the user's privacy.

Collecting Payments

Card reader

Now that most libraries have several computers for patrons, library staff no longer has to handle payments. Today's software collects payment autonomously and allows library administrators the option to connect it with hardware such as a coinbox or a credit/debit card reader.

Reducing Paper Waste

Reducing paper use saves trees.

In the spring of 2008, TechSoup's survey of non-profit organizations found, "...more than 77 percent of organizations...were interested or very interested in eco-printing software."

In this age of "Going Green," print management software that allows the user to combine pages or remove unwanted sections in a print job is an obvious choice. See TechSoup's list of recommendations, some of which are available for free download, and many of which are easily combined with other software.

Features

Large network printer

According to Richard W. Boss of the American Library Association (ALA), "Almost all [print software] products offer the option to limit the number of print pages, variable charges for different printers and print sizes, and a library-specified number of free pages before payment is required." These choices give the patron what he wants and also help the library manage costs, fee collection and paper use for small to large networks.

Combine with Access Control

Library computer station

In addition to managing printers, libraries need to manage user access to computers and monitor time reserved for each user. Some vendors will bundle the two management systems in one package, often offering a discount to license both. See Richard Boss's publication on the ALA.org site for recommendations of bundled packages.

References

• American Library Association: PC Reservation/Time Control and Print Management Software
• Techsoup.org: Choosing Print Management Software