Scanning books into inventory

Library Services training video shows procedures for using a scanner-equipped notebook computer to inventory books and other library items at South Texas College. Theme music by Monterrey's own Genitallica.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• library
• inventory
• sirsi
• workflows

[BruceJensen]

Right...but guess what: the library couldn't afford to spring for the PDA (which Sirsi offered as part of its PocketCirc system) and anyway the IT folks were leery of something that could potentially transmit patron info wirelessly. So, we did what we could with what we had, and had some fun in the process. After all, we're librarians.

[shmst13]

Good basic overview.

[pntmass]

You actually use the above documented process in 2008? This system was outdated in 2004!!!! Port your app to windows mobile for crying out loud.

Replace the laptop with a PDA (for which there are usually scanner options, store inventories are often done with PDA, and they are cheaper than laptops, can be held in one hand). Then, replace ethernet with 802.11 wireless (no more cord trip hazard). Then you only need one person to scan books and also check for errors, and no cart to lug around.