Must a patron present their ID card when checking out?
While ideal, a university ID card is not required when checking out.We will accept any physical form of photo identification to check out library materials. If a patron does not have a form of physical photo ID, the patron can log into UAConnect to verify their identity. If a patron is unable to produce an ID or sign in to their UAConnect account, offer to hold the materials for the remainder of the day until they can return with a physical ID.
If the patron says that their University ID card has been lost or stolen, refer the patron to the Campus Card Office (ID Office) on the fourth floor in the Arkansas Union, room 427.
Can a patron view a list of books checked out to him/her?
Yes, patrons can. There are three ways this can be done after the patron verifies their identity. A staff member using Sierra may let the patron view the screen of items checked out or the patron may request a print-out of items checked out.
The patron can also log in to their library account. Patrons can view items currently checked out to them and view a list of items that were previously checked out. The library cannot view items that were checked out to a particular patron once checked in, only items currently out.
Can books with no barcode be checked out?
Barcodes are required to check out items. If a book does not have a barcode, a dumb barcode must be added to the book and an "on-the-fly" record created. Full-time and hourly staff are trained and authorized to check out “on-the-fly” items. If unsure if an item can be checked out, ask a User Services supervisor.
How do I clear the patron record from the screen?
CLOSE THE SCREEN when finished with a particular transaction or a series of transactions for a particular patron. If there is a patron record on the screen, we do not want anyone else to see it.
Additionally, if a patron record is displayed (left open); an item might be inadvertently checked out to the wrong patron. If there is a check-in screen displayed, an item might be checked-in by mistake, when it should be checked out.
What information must not be disclosed by Mullins Help Desk Staff?
Scenarios
Examples of situations and responses:
(Opportunities to learn and educate, helping to create better patrons and library employees.)
(1) Situation: A patron cannot find a needed book on the shelf.
(1) Response: (Employee)
"Let me see if the item is checked out or missing. If I can't find it, we can place a search request so we can search the stacks for you."
(Be sure the patron is aware of the location for the item - FAL, CHEM, LAW, etc. and status) If the item is checked out or missing, remind the patron Interlibrary Loan is an option.
If the status is available, offer to take a look for the item and/or suggest placing a hold on the item.
(2) Situation: A patron has complaints about overdue fines.
(2) Response:
Refer the patron to a User Services Supervisor or Coordinator. If one is not currently available, offer the patron contact email and take their contact information so the library can reach out to discuss the issue.
(3) Situation: Patron claims to have returned a book that SIERRA and the online catalog show to be overdue and still checked out to the patron.
(3) Response: (Employee)
"I am sorry for the confusion. Please complete this “Claims Returned” form, and I will make a printout of the item(s) record and show it to my supervisor to record and search. Please be sure to continue looking for the item as well." (Suggest to the patron to continue to search at home, office, car, other libraries, etc.) "We will contact you during the search process and if we are able to locate the item."
Circulation is a library term that means checking out library materials to users. It is used to designate the service (Help) desk where you check out and return materials, as well as the library staff that works at those desks, which are part of the User Services department.
The circulation section process returned items and prepare them to be returned to the book stacks. Circulation staff also helps to note damage to returned and older materials and send those items to the Preservation Department for repair. User Services staff also prepare library bills for damaged, overdue, or lost materials. User Services (Circulation and Stacks) staff are responsible for checking in, shelving new and returned materials. User Services units also provide directional, beginner references (how to use the library’s online resources), referrals, and lost and found services.
Circulation (behind the Help Desk) has shelving where course reserves, patron holds, Interlibrary Loan, and other materials are held for pick-up by patrons.
To assist with come services, the University Libraries has installed software from Innovative Interfaces Inc., to automate the card catalog and some of the technical and public services functions of the library. This system is called INNOPAC. The term OPAC stands for Online Public Access Catalog, which is the computerized version of a card catalog.Online Catalog is the name of the University Libraries' OPAC. It contains the online catalog of the library's holdings.
Online Catalog includes:
There is a "Webpac" version of the online catalog that is linked to the University Libraries home page. It is recommended that all circulation Help Desk employees attend an online catalog training session if possible and/or be trained to use the online catalog.
Barcode – A sticker with a unique number, and a series of vertical lines which help to identify library books and items. Barcodes are used to check out books.
Patron "Barcode" – The University ID # that is read in the magstripe on the back of the patron ID.
Sierra – The computerized library system includes the online catalog, the circulation system, and various technical processing functions. The libraries previously used Infolinks, both are iii products.
Item record – A type of Sierra record which, when linked to a patron record, makes the circulation of an item possible. The item record contains the item's barcode number, item type, call number (only if different from call # in bib record), and circulation information. All item records are linked to a Bibliographic record.
Patron record – A type of Sierra record, which when linked to an item record, makes the circulation of an item possible. The patron record contains the patron's barcode number, address information, items checked out, and any fines or charges accrued.
Search – A service of the circulation department to locate missing items. A patron completes a search request at the circulation desk which is processed by a library staff member. If the item is located, it is placed on hold and the patron is notified. Holds are not placed on journals.
Claims Return – An item that was checked out by a patron which the patron claims to have returned; the item is still on the patron’s record. A “Claims Returned” form must be filled out and a search conducted.
Hold – A service of the circulation department for patrons to request items to be placed on the hold shelf to be checked out within the current week. A patron completes a hold request online by selecting the request button or at the circulation desk which is processed by a library staff member. When the item is located, it is placed on the hold shelf and the patron is notified. Holds are not placed on journals.
- additional terms contained in document(s) / link(s) below -