4.1 Use an ICT-based library management system proficiently

Table of Contents

1. Automated library management systems
2. The circulation module
   1. Problems with issuing
   2. Discharging items
   3. Problems with discharging items
   4. Other circulation tasks
3. The acquisitions module
4. The cataloguing and stock management modules
5. Inter Library Loan module

Problems with issuing

We can think of several problems, such as:

• With self-issuing systems, where the borrower is able to carry out self-issue over the Internet, borrowers, especially if they are inexperienced in doing this, can easily make a mistake.

• The system indicates that the borrower's lending limit has been reached.

• The borrower would like at this point to know which other items they have out on loan.

• Different classes of items may have different loan periods, eg: DVDs may need to be returned within three days. Certain types of book may be lent for only one week instead of the general three weeks. The system may prompt you about this but you have to remember use the correct date stamp on the item.

You must be able to deal with these situations and be aware of relevant library policies so that you can communicate quickly with the borrower and explain the reason for any problems.

Now let's have a look at Discharging items ...