Page 195 - DLIS003_LIBRARY ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT

Library Administration and Management

Notes 3. Discharging routines: The steps involved in discharging routines are:
When the book is presented for return along with the membership card, date of
return is stamped on the borrower’s card, thus cancelling the charge for the book.
The borrower’s card is returned to the patron.

The book card is located in the circulation file from the date on the date slip and
placed in the book pocket.

If the book is returned after the due date, the fine is computed and collected. The date
of return is stamped only after the fine is paid.

4. Reserves: Reservation procedure in this system is similar to the Browne Charging system.
It is in fact easier. The reserve ticket filled in by reader is attached to the borrower’s card
in the charging tray. When the particular book ‘on hold’ is returned, the reserve card along
with the book card is pinned with the borrower’s card and the book is kept in a special
sequence and intimation is then sent to the reader who has reserved the book.

Advantages

There is a permanent record of the number and type of books circulated and the kind of
books borrowed by each reader.
It is possible to know at all times, where a given book is, to whom it is charged, and when
it is due.
The record of the number of times a book has been circulated is available even when the
book is not in the library.

Since the transaction is recorded both on the borrowers’ card as well as on the book cards
the danger of dislocation is minimal. If the borrowers’ cards are lost, the record on the
book cards is available and vice-versa.
Several assistants can carry on the routines simultaneously.

The borrowers can be allowed to borrow books from any branch library of a larger
library system, provided there is a central registration file at the main library where an
alphabetically arranged copy of all branch registrations is available.
Disadvantages

Routines are slow, and cumbersome. The procedure of writing/stamping of the date of
issue/due-date and the borrower’s membership number on the book cards are writing/
stamping of issue/due date on the borrower’s cards are time-consuming.

There are chances of inaccuracies creeping in, especially when transcribing borrowers’
card numbers. This is particularly true during rush hours.

Two registration files are necessary: an alphabetical file by borrower’s name and addresses
and a file of registration numbers assigned to each borrower.

On the whole, the Newark System is considered to be fool-proof and safe. This advantage
may not always be available.

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