Make Inventory Easy with Alexandria Library Automation Software
April 22, 20155 Easy Steps to Speed Up Your Inventory
As the temperature outside begins to rise and the school year draws to a close, students get anxious thinking about starting their summer vacation . . . and librarians get anxious thinking about starting their inventory.
Although conducting an annual inventory of your library’s collection is essential, it’s not always easy. Most libraries have thousands of books in their collection–some have millions. The Library of Congress carries over 36 million books. Can you imagine how long it must take to complete their inventory?
It is next to impossible for libraries with massive collections to conduct a physical inventory on an annual basis. They are better off managing their catalog with regular random samplings to gain a clear assessment of the condition and relevancy of their books.
But no matter how big or small your library’s collection is, doing inventory is difficult and usually requires all hands on deck. So–the question is, how can we make this seemingly insurmountable task easier for librarians to do? After all, they need a summer vacation too.
Thanks to the convenience of automated systems and software tools like Alexandria’s Inventory Management, 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. Here’s how:
Although conducting an annual inventory of your library’s collection is essential, it’s not always easy. Most libraries have thousands of books in their collection–some have millions. The Library of Congress carries over 36 million books. Can you imagine how long it must take to complete their inventory?
It is next to impossible for libraries with massive collections to conduct a physical inventory on an annual basis. They are better off managing their catalog with regular random samplings to gain a clear assessment of the condition and relevancy of their books.
But no matter how big or small your library’s collection is, doing inventory is difficult and usually requires all hands on deck. So–the question is, how can we make this seemingly insurmountable task easier for librarians to do? After all, they need a summer vacation too.
5 Easy Steps to Speed Up Your Inventory
Thanks to the convenience of automated systems and software tools like Alexandria’s Inventory Management, 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. Here’s how:
Step 1–Create Your Sessions
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.
Step 2– Select Audible Options
Set audible notifications to alert you for any of the following reasons:- Scanning items marked Lost, In-Transit, Discarded, or Checked Out
- Scanning items out of call number order
- Scanning items out of policy order
Step 3–Review Your Exceptions
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.
Step 4–Review and Run Reports
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.- Email Reports To–automatically sends reports via email to as many addresses as you choose.
- Inventoried Items Report–lists all items inventoried in this session.
- Missing Items Report–lists all items within your section that should have been inventoried but were not.
- Site Inventory Statistics Summary–gives you inventory statistics for this site, not specific to individual sessions.
- Site Special Patrons Analysis–gives you inventory statistics for the site, specifically items checked out to System Patrons.
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.
the software maintains a thorough record of your catalog as you go–making year-end inventory procedures painless.
Step 5–Complete
Congratulations, you’re almost done! Complete your inventory by selecting the utilities you wish to run. You can choose from the following options:- Declare Missing Items Lost: This utility allows you to declare any missing items from your inventory as Lost.
- Declare Non-inventoried Items Checked Out or Lost: This utility allows you to declare overdue items, checked out to patrons, as lost. Alexandria maintains a record for all lost items in your catalog–so if the book turns up later and you book drop it, your system automatically changes the book’s status to Available.
With Alexandria, you will be done with your inventory in no time–so you can kick-back and relax with a good book. If you have questions or would like a walk-through of each inventory step, click here!
Why It’s Important
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.
How Inventorying Benefits You
- Your library’s book collection remains in good condition
- Your collection stays organized and up-to-date
- Your catalog’s information remains accurate
- Your patron’s pay their fines
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!
Do you still have questions about speeding up your inventory process?
Contact your 24/7 Alexandria support team if you have questions about how to inventory your collection.(800) 347 - 4942
