explain the meaning and importance of circulation service
identify the scope and functions of the circulation section
describe different types of charging systems
discuss the concept of RFID
Academic Library Services
1. Circulation Service
2. Reference Service
3. Bibliographic Verification Service
4. Current Awareness Service
5. Reprographic Service
6. Technical Services
7. Extension/Community Service
8. Inter-Library Co-Operation
9. Online Services
Circulation Services
Definition: Circulation is the function of lending library materials (books, serials, sound recordings, moving images, cartographic materials, etc.) that are owned by a library to the users of the library.
The Circulation/Check Out Counter is the point where lending transactions occur.
Aims of Circulation Services
Ensure maximum use of library materials by the users
Answer key questions about item usage and circulation:
Has a particular book been used or not?
If issued, to whom was it issued?
When is it due for return?
Which books have not been returned in time?
Maintain statistics of issued books
Identify a particular reader
Determine borrowing limits for readers (how many books a reader can borrow)
Track how many books are issued to a reader
Track loan duration for readers and items (how many days an item can be kept)
Monitor overdue charges due from readers
Monitor fines collected on a given day
Identify which readers have reserved a particular book
Track how many books have been reserved by readers
Scope of Circulation Services
Registration of members
Maintenance of database of users
Charging and discharging
Renewal
Recall
Reservation
Collection of overdue fines
Maintenance of gate register, property counter, and lockers
Circulation Systems
1) Register System
2) Card System
3) Automated Circulation System
4) RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)
Register System
A register is maintained by libraries; daily transactions are recorded sequentially by writing the author’s name, title of the book, and the reader’s name to whom the book has been issued
Card System
Two cards are used: one card for the book (book card) and another for the user/borrower (user card)
This system is commonly followed by libraries
Automated Circulation System
The manual system is replaced with a computer-based system
The library has a web-based catalogue showing the collection (e.g., books, journals) and their availability; records of registered users are also available on the computer
All records are maintained through integrated library management software
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)
RFID identifies unique items using radio waves
RFID tags are small integrated circuits scanned with a radio transmitter
No line-of-sight or direct contact with the tags is required to read them
Used by some libraries for issue and return of documents
Provides an option to generate and print bar-coded Identity cards (ID)
RFID Circulation (Detailed)
RFID technology identifies unique items using radio waves
RFID tags are small integrated circuits scanned with a radio transmitter
No line of sight or direct contact with tags is required to read them
Used for issue and return of documents in some libraries
Offers security against theft
Circulation Functions
1) Registration of Members
2) Charging and Discharging Functions
3) Controlling Processes
4) Reservation
5) Overdue Notices / Reminders
6) Fines
Registration of Members
A library can circulate documents only to its registered members; only registered users enjoy borrowing privileges
Charging and Discharging Functions
"Charging" refers to the process of issuing materials to a borrower
"Discharging" refers to the process of receiving materials back from the borrower
Controlling Processes
Renewals: extension of the loan period for a document
Recall: the activity of calling the book back into the library
Reservation
Books currently in circulation may be placed on reserve or hold for other registered readers of the library
Overdue Notices / Reminders
Reminders are sent to readers by letters, e-mail, or phone
Fines
Overdue charges for books returned after the due date
Fines for lost or damaged material/books
Replacement cost: if a book is lost or damaged, the borrower is asked to replace the book or pay the cost
References
Chowdhury, G. G., Burton, P. F., McMenemy, D., & Poulter, A. (2007). Librarianship: An introduction (1st ed.). Facet Publishing.
Srivastava, A. K. (2023). The Scope of academic librarianship: An essential facet of higher education. [edition unavailable]. Society Publishing. Available at: https://www.perlego.com/book/3833674 (Accessed: 6 July 2025).