It's the little things that count... (Update)

Years ago we started using ID cards and a scanner for students to sign in and sign out of the library. Well, things have changed with Google (when do they not?) and I've had some requests to share, so here's an update of a post from way back (https://goo.gl/e1AoF3).

The setup: at each entrance we have an old computer (connected to the network) with a monitor and a scanner (scanner is on a stand). We don't even have a keyboard or mouse sitting out! This runs a Google form and students can walk up and scan their ID card completely HANDS FREE. Our students scan when they arrive and when they leave the library.

Here's the steps:

1. Create a form; this has to be in Classic Google forms (new forms will not submit the form upon clicking enter). The form is minimal, just a box for their ID number. When you create the Google Form, you'll have to change it to Old Forms. Look for the question mark in the bottom right, click and select Old Forms. We only collect the ID number that the student scans in from the bar code on their ID card. You could add formulas and upload student names to your result spreadsheet if you want names. Google automatically inputs the date and time. No one need log in as the form is always running on these dedicated scanner computers and shared with anyone.
2. Set your scanner to auto-read and then perform "enter" after the scan is finished. Ours sits in a stand and is always ready for students to scan. Check your scanner documentation, there's usually a "setting" scan that you perform to set your scanner to this function.
3. Run the "live form" in chrome. 
4. Add TWO scripts to your Chrome browser. I use Tamper Monkey to install the scripts, but you may need to check with your IT Dept. to get this loaded.
5. Get the first Chrome userscript from this site: https://goo.gl/NFvoNF.  This one sets the cursor in the open box so all is ready to scan. After the ID card is scanned, your scanner clicks enter which submits the form.  
6. Get the second Chrome userscript at: https://goo.gl/vCLJFj. This one clicks the "Submit another form" link to reset the form for the next user. The script is set to 5 seconds, but I found that wasn't fast enough for our students so I edited the script value to a smaller number.  I would love to meet and thank Melgior1, the lovely person that created these scripts! 
7. The results sheet fills up quickly, so I usually reset to a new tab each month. To check on a student's attendance, we just Ctrl+F and search for their ID number. 

This has been such a time saver for our students!!!!! I'm able to view the results on my phone so if we have to evacuate, I can carry the signin's with me. You can also share the results with Admin, Attendance, Study Hall, teachers, etc! I hope it works for you!

And did I mention, this is FREE?