About circulation
Circulation functions involve all those activities that normally take place from a library service point. The screens are designed to enable you to perform linked operations quickly. You can open the Circulation Desk screen from anywhere within OLIB by clicking the Barcode icon or using the Ctrl+i keyboard shortcut.
From the Circulation Desk, you can access other administrative screens in order to view and update relevant data, e.g. to edit the user record, pay fines, add user traps or place reservations.
Circulation functions are fully integrated with the catalogue and user records. In order to perform various transactions, a number of reference data parameters are also checked.
Circulation functions
- Circ. Desk: This enables the automatic processing of transactions using a screen designed for fast, high volume transactions. Access to other options is possible using the relevant command buttons, e.g. Reservations. Renewals may be carried out for individual copies or for all items on loan. Users may be allowed to self-renew their loans if required.
- Reservations: Reservations may be placed for users for selected items. Outstanding reservations for a user may be viewed on the user’s details screen. Users may also place reservations in the OPAC for confirmation by library staff.
- Fine Payment: Charges are automatically accrued according to loan terms and reference data parameters. This option allows you to pay off fines. When necessary, fines may also be waived. It is also possible for the charges system to be used for other charges which may be applied manually to a user, e.g. for a photocopying service or for the sale of stationery.
- System generated messages: appear against user records (e.g. to alert the operator to the fact that the user has a reservation to collect). Trap messages may be added to a user, title or copy record by library staff (e.g. to alert the operator that a copy is to be re-catalogued on return).
- SIP2 Self check system: using the SIP2 protocol with OLIB allows your library users to borrow and return items without the assistance of library staff, by means of scanning the barcode of the item and the users’ library card.
Reference data
In order for issues, returns, renewals and fines to operate correctly, a number of reference data files are checked. These parameters are referred to as loan terms. For example, on performing an issue transaction the combination of user and copy category is checked, together with the location opening hours. This is to ensure that not only the correct return date is calculated but that the library service is open and available on this date. Any changes to loan terms, opening hours and the calendar have immediate effect.
Overnight processing
Other operational data in the circulation system is maintained by overnight processing. The overnight daystart processes related to the circulation system are:
- Generation of circulation statistics
- Calculation of fines due
- Production of automated overdue notices and recalls
- Activation of deferred reservations and deletion of expired reservations