Tip of the Week

Tip for: 11.25.02

L, T, and C commands

There are two ways that librarians can use to make a patron current when circulating. The first and most obvious is by scanning the patron's barcode number. The second is by using the L command. This command is used when the patron barcode is not available.

To use the L command type L and then the last name of the patron (i.e. L anderson). Due to the fact that this brings up a browse window, it is only necessary to type as much of the name as you need to get close to the name that you are looking for. Then, hit the <enter> key. The browse window then opens up listing the patrons entered into the program. The first or only patron with that last name will be highlighted. To select a patron, click on their name once to highlight them and then click the Select button. You can also double-click on a patron name and they will become the current patron.

The browse window offers some other features as well. One is a search field, allowing the user to enter a different name and search for it by clicking the Go button. The other feature I would like to point out is the two small buttons on the top right side of the window. These buttons allow you to add more names to scroll through by click either on the more up or more down button. These will add names either previous to what is already showing or after the list already visible.

Two other commands related to the L command are the T and C commands. Typing T prior to a title will bring up a browse window of titles in your collection (i.e. T Holes). This can save time if you have a patron ask if you have a particular title, by making it unnecessary to open the search window while in the middle of circulating. This command brings the item record up as the current item without trying to check it out or in, so you can find out the status of the title. The C command brings up a browse window by Call number. This allows a librarian to search for items with a particular call number.

The L, T, and C commands can be used to browse for patrons and items while circulating without needing to open the patron or item window. Remember that L= last name, T= title, and C= call number. We hope this will help you save time as you circulate items to your patrons.

Thank You,
The Alexandria Staff Librarians