« more discussions

• 

  Starting From Scratch.

  Hello,

  I've recently been appointed to be in charge of a small library. We currently don't have any system to register the books- not even manually. I already have the security metal bars adjusted by the door for entrance and exiting and I also found security stickers to be put inside every book accompanied by another machine that takes out the security code from the book before checking it out; however, I am lost and I don't know what program to use in order to synchronize all hardware together.

  I downloaded the trial version of Bookcat and I like it. I believe that is what I will be using in the future unless there's a better program out there that you guys can suggest. I'm also wondering whether there's a bar-code scanner that I can install that can somehow synchronize with Bookcat.

  I tried contacting affiliate libraries but they weren't helpful at all. They only gave me an idea on how to use their system which my institute is reluctant to purchase so I'm going to have to do everything on my own.

  I'm pretty new to all of this and I'm kind of worried about how I'm going to handle it. I would appreciate any suggestions or tips you guys can give me on how to establish a good smooth system for registering all these books and creating a checking-in and check-out process.

  Thanks,

  Snodgrass

  Snoddgrass II started this discussion 4 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Hope H 

  Any chance of teaming with a university / college library program? You could give their students plenty of unpaid "intern-type" work!

  If you are located in the US, try contacting your state agency. They are obligated to help you!

  I've never used Bookcat, but most barcode scanners will read most barcodes. Sometimes you have to adjust the "format" i or symbology n your circ program. Usually there is a "set up" screen where you do this.

  You can hire companies to create your MARC database. Sometimes you have to send in your shelf list. You can also find some MARC records on the internet you can legally - I think - copy.

  How many books are in your library? What system was in place before you arrived? - Just wondering!

  Good luck!

  posted 3 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Snoddgrass II 

  Thank you Hope, I'll try to do that.

  The problem is I tried to reach out to an affiliate library program but the library refused to help me even though some of our books are with them. The thing is we are starting from scratch. Initially this wasn't a library but more of a reading room but since the books are growing slowly, they decided to make this an official library.

  I will try my best again to contact someone but meanwhile I'll just use Bookcat and experiment with barcodes.

  Umm..., I think we have a little over 200 or 300 books only. The room is very small and like I said it started as a reading room. Officially we have 9 thousand books but those are in the other library. The plan was to get 1000 here but they weren't keen on the idea of giving us anything so now we're stuck with around 300 books.

  posted 3 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Patty F 

  If you are now running a public library, I would hope that your state library could give you some help. All that you have said makes it sound like you have a political nightmare. You need a consultant and in our state that is one of the services the state library provides.

  posted 3 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Snoddgrass II 

  It's not a public library- that's the problem. It belongs to an institution. I called someone last week, we'll see how things go. I hope they'll be able to help! Thanks Patty :)

  posted 3 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Hope H 

  Are you with a college or university? (When you say a former reading room, that's what it reminded me of.) It sounds like there might be some "territorial issues" going on with the main library in your institution. I would think they would want you to have the same circ/cat software, a shared catalog, similar hardware, and similar processing. Maybe you can make a case to your supervisor - or whoever made the decision to turn your collection into a library annex - to meet with the institution library directors with you. I think you could really work on them to see this as an opportunity for expansion instead of "circling the wagons and guarding the territory." The right attitude/outlook/vision could make a world of difference for both groups.

  posted 3 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Snoddgrass II 

  Hope, college. They're guarding the territory alright! It ticks me off when they make things difficult! Reminds me of children fighting over a piece of candy. Anyway, I spoke to my supervisor. We agreed that it's best to start small. Even if the library management cannot recognize us as an official affiliate then we're going to work it up somehow. Meanwhile we're going to implement our own system and see where we go from there. I totally agree with you on how the right attitude and vision could make a world of difference. It's sad how some people can't see it that way. They keep putting themselves and us in an imaginary competition.

  posted 3 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Hope H 

  It always amazes me how in the elementary and secondary school worlds, we work a lot on cooperation and doing what is best for the school. I wish post-secondaries could sometimes follow that example. I think you are right to keep plugging away at it - maybe with some staff turnover, training, etc. at the main library, you'll start to break down the barriers. More people with your attitude are needed - at all levels.

  I hope the students who use your branch value you!

  posted 3 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Snoddgrass II 

  Thank you!!! Your words meant so much to me!! They boosted me up. I will try my best! :) Thanks hon :*

  posted 3 months ago. ( reply )

• To reply to this discussion, please sign in or join now.

Return to top