Re: [LM_NET] subs in library

[janet perry <perrybros@HOTMAIL.COM>]

I have been reading the posts about not having a sub because they don't know 
how to do circulation.  Couldn't that be solved by having instructions 
posted by the computer?  I'm unreplaceable (not worthy?), so they don't get 
a sub for me here, but I've had situations where teachers and others have 
had to run the computer.  I don't have any paid help, and my student help is 
sporadic, especially since they are now subject to the eligibility rules, so 
many times the teacher has to check in the books and run the overdue list.  
I have a step by step list of what to do to get that done, and it works fine 
for me.  Also, couldn't the sub check things out by hand?  I know that is a 
tedious process and then things have to be entered later which causes more 
chance for mistakes, but I check out by hand when the computer is down, so 
what's the difference?   Whoever is doing the checkout writes the student 
name down, and then the barcodes of the books they are taking.  When the 
computer comes back up, I then enter them, and, yes, it takes a lot of time. 
  But, I'd rather do that than close the library, and not let kids have new 
books.  Another thing I do when the computer is down, is stack all returned 
books up and not let them circulate until they have been checked in.  Of 
course, the kids are on the honor system about whether or not they have 
overdues and can check out, but, for the most part, they are honest.
I also do not let magazines check out if the computer is down.  We have a 
more complicated system we use, and it's already taking longer to write down 
every book, so I just say no magazines.  I guess my bottom line is that I 
think we need to FIGURE OUT a way to keep getting books into kids hands, 
even when our systems (people and machines) aren't working properly.



Janet Perry, Librarian
Cerro Gordo CUSD 100, Cerro Gordo, IL
perrybros@hotmail.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
  You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
  by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET  2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL  4) SET LM_NET DIGEST  * Allow for confirmation.
 * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
 * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
 * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/
 * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------