Thinking the university library the anny way
With study space management, anny maps the physical library structure digitally. The central principle: every reading room or area is a resource with limited capacity, and the Check-In terminal controls attendance in real time.
Students book through the booking area (web or app) or register spontaneously at the terminal. You manage everything in the admin area (resources, bookings, displays, occupancy).
Step-by-step setup
1
Create a resource
Open Resources and create a resource for the library area (e.g. “Reading room, main building”). Under Availability, set it to Multiple availability and set the number to the available study spaces. Under Check-In, enable check-in for this resource.
2
Configure the Check-In settings
Under Resource → Check-In: enable Release capacity so that after a check-out the space becomes bookable again immediately. Enable Multiple Check-In if students are allowed to leave the area briefly and return. Optionally set a minimum check-in time (e.g. 30 minutes) to prevent early check-outs for quota optimization.
3
Create a booking option
Create a booking option (e.g. “Study space flexible” with a flexible duration or “Study space half-day” with a fixed duration). Make sure: free, automatically accept all bookings.
4
Control check-in and check-out separately
Disable self-service Check-In in the resource settings, so a check-in is only possible at the terminal on-site (controlled attendance check). Allow a flexible, self-service Check-Out by students via the mobile app or web application, to avoid queues at the exit.
5
Set up the terminal
Set up a Check-In terminal according to Set Up a Check-In Terminal. Choose the appropriate mode:
- Check-In & Check-Out: only pre-registered students (with a booking) can check in and out.
- Personalized registration, Check-In & Check-Out: pre-registered and spontaneous students can register, check in and check out.
6
Set up multiple terminals (optional)
Set up separate terminals for entrance and exit: one terminal in Check-In mode at the entrance, one terminal in Check-Out mode at the exit. Both are connected to the same resource.
7
Test
Create a test booking, check in at the entrance terminal and check whether the capacity is reduced correctly. Then check out and check whether the space is released again.
Typical examples
Library with a pure prior-registration system
Library with a pure prior-registration system
A university library wants students to be able to use a study space only with a prior online booking. Spontaneous visits without a booking are not allowed.
1
Resource and booking option
Resource “Reading room” with 200 spaces (Multiple availability: 200), booking option “Study space” with a flexible duration, free, automatically accept.
2
Terminal mode
Mode: Check-In & Check-Out. Only students with a valid QR code ticket can check in.
3
Release capacity
Enable Release capacity so no-shows and early check-outs release spaces again immediately.
Library with on-site registration and online booking
Library with on-site registration and online booking
A library wants to enable both online bookings and spontaneous registrations at the terminal, to maximize occupancy.
1
Resource and booking option
Resource “Reading room” with 150 spaces, booking option “Study space flexible” with a flexible duration, free, automatically accept.
2
Terminal mode
Mode: Personalized registration, Check-In & Check-Out. Students with a booking scan their QR code, spontaneous visitors enter their email and are registered on-site.
3
Separate entrances/exits
One terminal at the entrance (mode: Personalized registration & Check-In), one terminal at the exit (mode: Check-Out). Alternatively: allow check-out via the mobile app.
Additional settings & options
Bookings per start time
Limit the arrivals per time slot to ease the rush at the terminal and stagger entry, for example a maximum of 50 check-ins per half hour.Learn more
Communities
Restrict study space booking to certain groups, for example only enrolled students, and control access through community membership.Learn more
Custom forms at check-in
Ask for extra data such as the student ID number or the department only at check-in, instead of during the booking process itself.Learn more
Global booking rules
Define overarching rules for booking limits, for example a maximum number of bookings per person and day or week, for fair distribution.Learn more
FAQ
How do I prevent no-shows?
How do I prevent no-shows?
Enable Release capacity in the Check-In settings of the resource. If students do not check in, the space is automatically released again after the check-in period expires.
Can I allow check-in only at the terminal and check-out via the app?
Can I allow check-in only at the terminal and check-out via the app?
Yes. Disable self-service check-in in the resource settings (check-in only at the terminal) and allow flexible check-out via app or web.
Can students secure a space spontaneously?
Can students secure a space spontaneously?
Yes, if the terminal mode includes “Personalized registration”. Students without a prior booking can register at the terminal and check in immediately.
Can I cover different areas with different terminals?
Can I cover different areas with different terminals?
Yes. Create a separate resource per area and connect one terminal to each. Alternatively, multiple terminals can be connected to the same resource.
How do I set a minimum check-in time?
How do I set a minimum check-in time?
Under Resource → Check-In, configure a minimum check-in time (e.g. 30 minutes). This way a check-out is accepted only after this time has passed.