Abstract: A self check out/check in terminal is disclosed for facilitating independent withdrawal or return of articles having article identifying indicia on opposing surfaces thereof, and alterable security indicia for indicating the circulation status of the article. The terminal comprises first and second readers disposed at space opposed locations and operative to read the plurality of article identifying indicia and generate first and second article identifying signals in response thereto. Processing circuitry is provided in electrical communication with the readers and includes comparator circuitry for receiving the first and second article identifying signals and for generating a third signal when said first and second article identifying signals are substantially identical. Security indicia control circuitry is provided for altering the security indicia upon the article in response to the generation of the third signal.