Page 19 - DLIS408_INFORMATION_TECHNOLOGY-APPLICATIONSL SCIENCES

Information Technology and Application

Notes 1.10 Library Circulation

Library circulation or library lending comprises the activities around the lending of library books
and other material to users of a lending 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.

Notes 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
Set right the 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 an automated system and do not require any paperwork. The
circulation desk also provides circulation services for items such as uncatalogued items,
periodicals, government documents, maps and microforms. Such items often have to be checked
out “by hand”. The number of library items that patrons can check 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 demagnetize 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.

14 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY