Opening
Opening is usually a peaceful time at the library but it can be very busy, particularly on the weekends. If that happens, inform the patrons that you have certain tasks that must be done before they can begin checking materials out. Those taks include turning on circulation computers, checking the book drops, back-date discharging any books in the book drops, and changing the stamps.
Turning on the Computers
Log in using the current password taped to the computer monitor's stand and open Voyager.
Circulation Opening Log
The opening log is in a binder at the Circulation Desk. Every morning this log must be completed properly. Open to a page with a blank space and write your name and the date. Use the 21-day and the 120-day pseudo-patron cards in the binder to check out a book and DVD each. Adjust stamps at both computer stations to match the date due on the Voyager system. Stamp the new dates in the log. Discharge the materials when you complete the log.
Checking Circulation E-mail
After completing the opening log, open Outlook to check the Circulation Desk's e-mail account. Read all messages thoroughly and respond appropriately. Some e-mails may need to be forwarded to another person within the library. Once a message has been read and the task completed, delete the e-mail to prevent a coworker from doing the same thing again.
*Note about opening shifts on the weekend
All student workers must report to the library 15 minutes early for a weekend opening shift. On a Saturday shift the report time is 9:45 am and on a Sunday shift the report time is 1:45 pm. This ensures a swift and efficient opening of the library on days with reduced staffing. If you will be late, you must notify the staff member or building manager on duty or a shift coworker.
Back-Dating Items in the Drop Box
Checking the Book Drop
Use the key located in the key drawer behind the Circulation Desk to open the drop box outside of the library's double door entrance. Take out all of the books in the drop box, pulling the cart out to check for any items that may have fallen. Once all of the materials have been collected, lock the drop box.
Back-Date Discharge
If the library has been closed for longer than the usual night such as for a holiday for weekend, you must back-date discharge any items found in the drop box. A staff member or building manager will need to log on to Voyager in order to set up back-dating.
On the left side of a staff member or building manager's discharge box is a clock icon. To initiate a back-date discharge, click this icon.
Change the date to the closing time of the last day the library was open. This eliminates the possibility of patrons being charged overdue fines for items they returned on time to the drop box.
Once the back-date discharge has been set, there will be a message in the discharge box noting the date and time the items are being discharged. Once the back-date discharge has been completed, you must close the discharge box. When you open it again, the discharge date and time will be current.
