activities connected with lending and returning library materials in all formats
2
votes
2answers
59 views
Which ebook lending patforms exist and how do they differ?
Answers to the question how ebooks are lent out from a library mentioned some platforms or vendors such as Overdrive and Freading - I also know Onleihe from German public libraries. Is there a ...
7
votes
1answer
139 views
How much of a library’s collection never circulates?
In a recent blog article about the question "How Much of the Literature Goes Uncited?" I just found this question. The author argues that the
answerdepends on the observation period and the universe ...
12
votes
1answer
229 views
How to view MARC files in a human readable way?
How does one view MARC files in a human readable way?
What characteristics should I look for in a tool that would facilitate the interpretation of MARC records?
Having to look up every field in ...
6
votes
3answers
66 views
Are there federal requirements in the United States that govern the retention of patron circulation records?
In our town library during my lifetime, the circulation records of book checkouts started out as being on paper, and as the library grew, they were partially computerized, and then fully computerized.
...
5
votes
1answer
87 views
Ebooks: to be checked out from a library no more than 26 times?
In an article at http://articles.latimes.com/2011/mar/07/business/la-fi-ebooks-20110307 it is said that some publisher
does not allow its e-books to be checked out from a library more than 26 ...
5
votes
5answers
86 views
Reserve wrapper alternatives
When a reserved item is scanned in at our library, a reserve wrapper will print. It has the member's name on the spine and the pull date for its removal from the shelf, and member contact information ...
2
votes
1answer
54 views
Establishing guidelines for topical displays
With the change in seasons, public libraries often have topical displays with such headlines as "SUMMER" and "BEACH READS".
I'm certain that each library will have its own methodology for selecting ...
0
votes
3answers
133 views
If your library requires patrons to have a library card to use the computers, does it restrict their access if they have lost or overdue books? Why?
If your library requires patrons to have a library card to use the computers, does it restrict their access if they have lost or overdue books? Why or why not?
For example, restricting book borrowing ...
3
votes
2answers
79 views
What are the effects of charging a fee for putting books on hold?
The question presumes, of course, that there is a library known to do this and the statistics can be examined. From the available facts, does it appear to be decreasing the number of holds? Is this ...
3
votes
3answers
70 views
Integration of parental permission system with existing circulation management?
Recognizing that DVD borrowing has become a fundamental part of any public library system, there may be a need to verify the age of a borrower before allowing them to take out a DVD that is not age ...
10
votes
4answers
146 views
What is a good alternative to Bookmobile services?
My library has been experimenting with alternatives to bookmobiles. I need to find a good solution for patrons who have high demand needs. How do you provide outreach service to patrons who expect the ...
5
votes
6answers
360 views
What are some alternatives to fines that have been successfully implemented?
If success is defined as:
negligible or manageable theft/loss
regulatable/observed loan periods
timely returns or efficient method of holds/recall
timely & cost effective method for replacing ...
10
votes
6answers
317 views
How to discourage patrons writing and marking into books?
Some patrons return books with margins full of comments, underlined text, even luminescent text markers have been applied.
Use of RFID-based return machines skips the check applied by most ...
8
votes
8answers
388 views
How to keep high security standards while allowing self-checkout?
A handful of libraries in the area are allowing self-checkout for established patrons. This is limited to books for the time being, as items like DVDs are locked in plexiglass cases and must still be ...
2
votes
2answers
117 views
Alternatives to RFID for checking the completeness of a package?
One of the features RFID offers over barcodes is the ability to join a set of RFID tags into a group, and check for the completeness of that group each time it is checked out of the library or ...
5
votes
2answers
32 views
Implementing specific mechanisms to keep the use of reserved books balanced and fair
Reserve books seem to be a contentious subject (and often subject to contention!) at many universities and colleges. Since these are often one-of-a-kinds and sometimes are loaners from professors, ...
4
votes
3answers
109 views
What are the privacy laws that deal with patron records?
What laws are in place to protect a patrons information and check out history? Also related, what do these laws say regarding families and accessing or using each others accounts? Something along the ...
14
votes
5answers
121 views
What unique challenges and benefits exist when lending ebooks compared to traditional print books?
With libraries in the constant struggle to remain relevant and useful to their patrons and seeing eBook use rise, what are some unique challenges and benefits facing libraries when integrating eBooks ...
10
votes
9answers
233 views
Circulating mobile devices
How are libraries managing mobile devices for patrons?
Are any circulating Kindles, Nooks, etc. or offering classes to the public for these?
20
votes
5answers
366 views
Alternatives to barcodes for book identification
Barcodes are cheap and they work, but they often also cover up parts of the book's cover. They could be stuck to the inside, but this is often inconvenient.
I've often been wondering what ...
