Do any of you allow your patrons to self check? We have a fairly small library and so far I have allowed it by having them fill out the book cards and leave them in a box until a librarian is available to enter the information, but I really want to get rid of the cards which would leave us without this "self-check" ability.
Any thoughts?
Replies
thank you
Yes, I am the only librarian, but I can call on help if needed. I don't do overdues because I know most of the people who borrow and can speak to them or call them if the book is needed. Usually borrowers will tell if they need a book for more than four weeks.
We have a binder where patrons sign out the book, title, name and date of check out. Because our library is open all the time it was the only sensible way to handle checkouts. We have only "lost" one book in the 20 years I have been librarian.
Our church uses the binder system as well but also asks for the patron's phone number.
That is amazing only having lost 1 book! We lose at least 5 a year it seems. The binder is a great idea! Then I can get rid of the cards. Are you the only librarian or do you have others that "shift" work the library when it's open?
How is your rate of return/overdues?
hmmm. I'm not quite sure what that means, but I can tell you that we have quite a few overdues monthly, I would say at least 20 books, and lose about 5 books a year from people losing them, keeping them or whatever (especially from the children's section). We do not charge for overdue or lost books.
-
1
-
2
of 2 Next