Inventory is an important tool for Teacher-Librarians
Inventory should be done consistently, but not constantly. Most collections are good to inventory on a cycle. Your cycle will depend on the library size and collection complexity. A sample cycle:
Before beginning inventory you should make a plan of what the inventory you are doing is going to be.
E.g. Is it a particular item type (e.g. Fiction, Non-Fiction, Professional) or a location (AV, Book Room, Novel Sets).
It is important to know whether there are mixed types in a location. If things have been removed from that physical location but not moved from the catalog location there will be discrepancies.
In Workflows you can go to Item Search and Display and choose the options icon:
To change your search limiters. If you are unsure what the location name is, please ask and we can assist you with what locations are active at your location.
Organizing your locations beyond your main library collection is helpful, but only if the locations stay up to date.
Why is this important? Well if you go into your AV room for inventory expecting it to only be AV equipment but it is also where kits have been located, you will be shocked when you complete the inventory and receive your lists.
If you know of locations that used to be active at your school but are not (e.g. You consolidated book rooms) please let us know. That way we can make sure your database reflects what is actually true about your collection. It's not automatic, we need you to tell us when things get moved.
SYMPHONY – WORKFLOWS – INVENTORY
When you have completed your inventory contact "DLC Inventory" with the following information:
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Cathy Drew