this information has been moved to https://support.goalexandria.com/knowledge-base/speed-up-your-inventory/ |
Thanks to the convenience of automated systems and software tools like Inventory Management Window, librarians are no longer required to take inventory by hand. However, not all library software automation systems are created equal. Alexandria has figured out a way to make doing inventory quick, easy, and extremely efficient.
Check out our new 6 Steps to an Easy Inventory infographic! |
Create multiple sessions for each area in your library you plan to inventory. Separate and name each session in a way that fits your preferred method for inventorying.
For example: If you are doing inventory in one of the fiction sections of your library, you could name that session FIC A – FIC B.
Start with naming all of the sessions you need to complete. This way, you can work your way through the inventory process at your own pace.
Sessions is a great feature for inventorying because it allows you to complete your inventory using any number of stations and gives you the option to assign multiple people on your staff to help. Additionally, it tracks your data and saves it as you go. Meaning–you are free to break for that much needed latte or pick-up where you left off when you return to work the next morning
Set audible notifications to alert you for any of the following reasons:
Once you have completed a session, review any notable exceptions, such as lost or missing items from your catalog. Exceptions includes any items you marked alerts for in Options.
For example, if you set audible alerts to notify you of lost items, you can review all of the items marked lost for that section of your catalog.
You can review your exceptions and run reports at any point during your inventory process–after completing a single session, multiple sessions, or all sessions. Choose the system that works best for you.
Select the inventory reports you wish to run and click Run Selected Reports. Choose any or all of the reports from the list below that will help you complete your inventory.
Not only does Alexandria simplify the actual task of inventory, the software maintains a thorough record of your catalog as you go–making year-end inventory procedures painless.
Congratulations, you’re almost done! Complete your inventory by selecting the utilities you wish to run. You can choose from the following options:
Click Complete Session and then review the short summary that appears showing all of the utilities you have performed for the current session you are working on. Once you have completed a session, it will remove itself from your list and you can move on to the next session until your inventory is done.
With Alexandria, you will be done with your inventory in no time–so you can kick-back and relax with a good book.
Why do you need to inventory your library anyway?
Doing inventory once a year allows you to find books that need to be rebound, repaired, or replaced and discover which books are missing or out of place. It’s also an opportunity for you to weed out outdated or irrelevant topics and find genres where you can add some popular new arrivals.
Doing your year-end inventory is important. Luckily, it is also easy with Alexandria’s Inventory Management. Apart from the marginal profit you gain by collecting patron fines, maintaining a relevant catalog is a valuable public service you are providing your community.
You are giving patrons access to lifelong learning. Making useful information available to your community improves their ability to excel in education and business–which directly impacts our economy–hats off to you!