microprocessor 60 detects an error at start up then the microprocessor 60 as indicated by a block 122 retrieves the error condition out of service screen display scr 82 from the memory 62 and displays this error condition out of service screen display on the display 28 the screen displays scr 28 and scr 82 may provide the same out of service information in multiple languages as indicated in fig4 the self service library terminal 10 may be arranged to allow the patron to continue under certain error conditions however assuming that the staff of the library has not determined that the self service library terminal 10 is not to be used during a particular time period and assuming that the microprocessor 60 does not detect an error at start up or if the patron is allowed to continue even though there is an error the microprocessor 60 at a block 124 retrieves a welcome screen from the memory 62 and supplies the welcome screen scr 3 to the display 28 this welcome screen scr 3 may be in multiple languages may instruct the patron to choose one of the multiple languages such that all subsequent screen displays will be in the chosen language and may provide certain library specific information as designated by the staff of the library in which the self service library terminal 10 is used for example the welcome screen scr 3 may direct the patron to press an identification entry key alternatively a screen saver initial screen may be presented on the display 28 directing the patron to press any key upon which the welcome screen scr 3 is presented to the patron as a still further alternative.