- Library circulation
Library circulation or library lending comprises the activities around the lending of
library books and other material to users of alending library . A circulation or lending department is one of the key departments of a library.The main public service point is the circulation desk or loans desk, usually found near the main entrance of a library. It provides lending services and facilities for return of loaned items. Renewal of materials and payment of fines are also handled at the circulation desk. Circulation staff may provide basic search and reference services, though more in-depth questions are usually referred to reference librarians at the
library reference desk . The circulation desk is in most cases staffed by library aides instead of professional librarians.Functions of the circulation desk staff may include:
*Lending materials to library users
*Checking in materials returned
*Monitoring materials for damage and routing them to the appropriate staff for repair or replacement
*Troubleshooting circulation technology, i.e. library circulation software, scanners, printers, etc.
*Collecting statistics on library use, i.e. patron transactions, material checkouts, etc.Checking out
Many items can be checked out by a computer and do not require any paperwork. But the circulation desk to provide checking out services for items such as as uncataloged items and periodical issues, government documents, maps and microforms. These checkouts are done by the circulation desk staff. The number of books that library patrons can take out varies from library to library.
Checking in
Returned library items are processed by the circulation desk. They usually scan the
barcode to identify the item and also de-magnetize the item and dispatch the item on to the shelves.Document delivery
The circulation desk also liaises with library patrons in delivering electronic articles and documents.
Reserve
The circulation desk can also look after the reserve section such as past exam papers and unit materials.
Infringement processing
The payment of infringements for late, lost book charges and overdue items are processed by the circulation desk. They can also lift restrictions for library patrons once the fines have been paid.
helving
The circulation desk also handles the shelving of items used from the Reserve section and also the reference section.
Lost and found
Some circulation desks also provide a lost and found service. This includes commonly found items such as library cards / matric card, laptops, wallets, computer media and portable devices.
ee also
*
Interlibrary loan
*Library reference desk
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