The system by which readers or users can take books home from the library or return them is called a transaction or charging system. In the present world, there are many types of book transaction system.
Charging methods at different times
- Browne Charging System
Brown charging system is a revolutionary method of book exchange, pioneered by American librarian and library scientist Nina Brown. The method became known under her name. Although it has not made much of an impact on the library world in America, it is well-respected outside the world. Materials required in this method:
For the book:
- Date Sheet: It is pasted with glue on the inside of the cover of the book. It contains the issue return date.
- Pocket: A pocket containing some rules and instructions is glued to the inside of the back of the book.
- Card: A card containing call number, accession number, author and book name is placed in the pocket.
For Customer:
There will be one or more cards per user, i.e., there will be provision for as many cards as the number of books a customer can issue. This pocket will contain the customer’s name, address, membership number and term, the librarian’s signature and the library’s seal printed on the back.
- Newark Charging System:
This method originated in 1900 at Newark Public Library, New Jersey, USA. This method is very common in the United States. This method eliminates some of the errors observed in the Brownian charging system. Materials required in this method:
1. Registration File or Register: In which the name of the customer is recorded. Many times, customer applications are filed, closed, and stored in sequential colors.
2. Customer Card: Each customer is issued a card on which the customer’s name, address, and registration number are mentioned and a due date is printed.
3. Book Card: It contains the call number, author’s name, and short name of every book except a story or novel.
4. Date sheet: A piece of white paper is cut on the inside of the back and front cover of the book, on which the return date can be printed with the help of a stamp.
5. Book pocket: The call number, author’s name, and short name of a book other than a novel are written, and a book card is inserted in it.
- Dickman book charging method
The Dickman book charging method in libraries, particularly in the 1930s, likely refers to the circulation system or borrowing process employed by libraries during that time. Here’s how it generally works:
1. Manual Record-Keeping: Library staff maintained handwritten or typed records of books that were borrowed by patrons. Each book loan would be recorded on a borrower’s card or in a ledger, along with the borrower’s name, the book’s title, and the due date.
2. Library Cards: Patrons would present their library cards to check out books. The library staff would manually update the borrower’s card or record to indicate the borrowed items and due dates.
3. Date Stamps: Library materials often had date stamps that indicated the due date for their return. When a book was checked out, the due date would be stamped on the book’s card or inside the book’s cover.
4. Library Staff Assistance: Borrowers would typically interact with library staff at the circulation desk to check out or return books. Library staff would manually process book transactions, update records, and assist patrons with their borrowing needs.
5. Overdue Notices: Libraries may have sent overdue notices to patrons who failed to return books by the due date. These notices were often generated manually and sent via mail or posted in the library.
Overall, the Dickman book charging method likely involved a combination of manual record-keeping, borrower interactions with library staff, and basic circulation practices that were prevalent in libraries during the 1930s.
- Gaylord charging method:
The Gaylord charging method, also known as the Gaylord circulation system, was developed by the Gaylord Brothers company, now known as Gaylord Archival. It was widely used in libraries in the mid- to late-20th century.
1. Charge-Out Cards: Each library item had a corresponding charge-out card with details of the book and spaces for borrower information.
2. Check-Out Process: When a patron wanted to borrow a book, they would present the book and their library card to the staff at the circulation desk for recording borrower information and due date marking.
3. Manual Tracking: The library staff would manually file the charge-out card in a designated location, such as a card catalog drawer, to keep track of which items were checked out and to whom.
4. Return Process: When the borrower returned the book, the library staff would retrieve the corresponding charge-out card and mark the book as returned. The card would then be filed back in its place in the card catalog.
5. Overdue Notices: If a borrower failed to return a book by the due date, the library staff would use the information on the charge-out card to generate overdue notices and follow up with the borrower as needed.
The Gaylord charging method played an important role in library operations during its time and is remembered as part of library history.
- IBM Circulation Control Charging Method
The “IBM Circulation Control Charging Method” refers to a library circulation system developed by IBM (International Business Machines Corporation). This system was introduced during the mid-20th century and was used in libraries to manage the borrowing and lending of library materials.
1. Automation: The IBM system utilized automation technology, including computers and data processing equipment, to manage library circulation operations more efficiently.
2. Barcoding: Library materials were often labeled with barcodes containing unique identifiers. These barcodes were scanned using barcode readers or scanners to track the borrowing and return of items.
3. Database Management: Information about library materials, borrowers, due dates, and circulation transactions was stored and managed in a centralized database or system. This allowed library staff to quickly access and update circulation records.
4. Check-Out/Check-In Terminals: Libraries equipped with IBM Circulation Control systems typically had check-out and check-in terminals or stations where patrons could borrow and return materials themselves. These terminals were often integrated with the library’s circulation system and connected to the central database.
5. Patron Records: The IBM system maintained records for library patrons, including their contact information, borrowing history, and any outstanding fines or fees.
6. Overdue Notices: The system could generate automated overdue notices to remind patrons to return borrowed materials that were past their due dates.
7. Inventory Management: Libraries using the IBM Circulation Control system could efficiently manage their inventory of materials, including tracking items that were checked out, on hold, or in transit.
8. Integration with Library Operations: The IBM system was designed to integrate with other library operations, such as cataloging, acquisitions, and interlibrary loan services, to provide a comprehensive library management solution.
Overall, the IBM Circulation Control Charging Method represented a significant advancement in library automation and helped libraries improve their circulation processes, enhance patron services, and streamline operations.
- Detroit Self Charging
The “Detroit Self Charging” method is not a commonly known term or practice in library management or circulation procedures. It might refer to a specific approach or system used in libraries in Detroit, Michigan, or it could be a term coined for a particular type of self-service checkout system. Here’s how it generally works:
1. Self-Service Kiosks: Equipped with barcode scanners, touch screens, and payment terminals.
2. Library Card Authentication: Patrons use their library cards or account information to log in.
3. Scanning Items: Patrons scan the barcodes of the library materials they wish to borrow.
4. Transaction Confirmation: The system displays a list of borrowed materials and due dates.
5. Payment of Fees and Fees: Patrons can make payments electronically if there are any outstanding fines or fees.
6. Receipt Printing: The kiosk may print a receipt for the patron as confirmation of the items borrowed and any payments made.
7. Security Measures: Include RFID tags or security gates to prevent theft and ensure that library materials are properly checked out.
Self-service checkout systems offer convenience and efficiency for patrons by reducing wait times and allowing them to manage their transactions independently. They also free up library staff to focus on other tasks, such as assisting patrons with research, reference questions, and programming.
