ALEPH 500, VERSION 16
Introduction to the
Circulation Client
© Ex Libris, Inc. 2003
Page 1
Introduction to the Circulation Client
Version 16
Updated: October 15, 2003
Table of Contents
1 Overview ........................................................................... 3
2 Looking at the Circulation Client .................................... 4
2.1 Toolbars ..................................................................................................... 4
2.1.2 Patron Bar ........................................................................................... 5
2.1.3 Item Bar .............................................................................................. 5
2.1.4 Title Bar .............................................................................................. 5
2.1.5 Operations Bar .................................................................................... 6
2.1.6 Horizontal Split Bar and Vertical Split Bar ........................................ 6
2.2 Panes .......................................................................................................... 6
2.2.1 Upper and Lower Panes...................................................................... 7
2.3 Main Tab ................................................................................................... 8
2.3.1 Navigation Tree: Loan Tab ................................................................ 8
2.3.2 Navigation Tree: Return Tab .............................................................. 8
2.3.3 Navigation Tree: Patron Tab .............................................................. 8
2.3.4 Navigation Tree: Item Tab ................................................................. 8
2.3.5 Navigation Tree: Search Tab .............................................................. 8
2.3 Root ........................................................................................................... 9
2.4 Nodes ......................................................................................................... 9
© Ex Libris, Inc. 2003
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Introduction to the Circulation Client
Version 16
Updated: October 15, 2003
1 Introduction
This document is intended to familiarize you with the look and feel of the
ALEPH 500 Circulation Client.
The Circulation Client has been designed with an emphasis on usability
and ease of access to circulation functions. Item, patron and loan
information are interlinked and can be accessed with a minimum of cursor
movement.
The ALEPH 500 Circulation module, in addition to loan (charge) and
return (discharge) functions, includes patron record creation and
maintenance, offline circulation, fast cataloging, report generation, access
to recall or hold functions, and payment of fines and fees.
All changes to the database are made online in real time, and new data
are immediately available to the librarian and to OPAC users.
The ALEPH Circulation module enables you to register and monitor the
various circulation activities of the library (loans, returns, holds, photocopy
requests), according to each library's policy.
The system supports different circulation periods, based on the status of
an item, the status of a patron and due dates. These three elements may
be defined by the library to suit its circulation policies and may be changed
as the need arises.
When an item is loaned, the system checks both the item and the patron.
If there are any restrictions on either one, the librarian is notified. When
an item is returned, the system checks whether there is an outstanding
hold or photocopy request, and whether the item was returned late.
The Circulation module and the Web OPAC are interconnected.
Circulation information relevant to each item may be viewed in the Web
OPAC. Each patron can use the Web OPAC to see his/her library record.
Renewals, holds and photocopy requests may be placed here, depending
on the patron’s privileges and/or the item status.
© Ex Libris, Inc. 2003
Introduction to the Circulation Client
Version 16
Updated: October 15, 2003
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2 Looking at the Circulation Client
The various screen elements in the Circulation Client (as shown above) are
explained in the following sections.
2.1 Toolbars
2.1.1 Menu Bar
The Menu bar is laid out conventionally. Place the cursor over the menu name
(for example, Items) to reveal the related menu commands:
© Ex Libris, Inc. 2003
Introduction to the Circulation Client
Version 16
Updated: October 15, 2003
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2.1.2 Patron Bar
The Patron bar contains brief information about the selected patron, such as
patron name and patron ID. To display a patron record, enter the patron ID or scan
the bar code in the box, and click go , or
press ENTER.
On the far right of the Patron bar, a New Patron icon is located:
Clicking the New Patron icon invokes the Global Patron Information window,
enabling you to enter a new patron record.
2.1.3 Item Bar
There are five elements in the Item bar:
1. The Item List by Call Number icon
on the left of the Go button.
2. The Item field where you enter/scan the item’s call number or barcode.
3. The Go button
sends the value entered in the Item field to the server.
4. The display area shows the item’s system (BIB) number, ADM number, title
and author.
5. The Catalog Record and Create Item icon on the far right.
Entering and sending a new item call number or barcode to the server closes the
previous item’s session. F4 closes the current item’s session.
2.1.4 Title Bar
The Title bar indicates which ALEPH module (Circulation) you are connected to
as well as the version (16.2), library (EXU50) and the server
(159.119.1.69:6991).
© Ex Libris, Inc. 2003
Introduction to the Circulation Client
Version 16
Updated: October 15, 2003
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2.1.5 Operations Bar
The Operations bar contains information about the current server, connection,
other ALEPH module icons as well as Profile, Language, Library and Printer
Configuration. The red x will allow you to exit all ALEPH applications.
2.1.6 Horizontal Split Bar and Vertical Split Bar
These bars refer to the horizontal or vertical double line that separates a window
into two panes. In the Circulation Client, the windows are already split, but you
can change the size of the panes.
To resize a pane in the Circulation Client:
1. Place the pointer over a split bar. The pointer will change into a sizing handle:
2. Drag the sizing handle to increase/decrease the width/length of the upper lower and
navigation panes. Note: The pane changes in size are lost when you exit the Client client.
2.2 Panes
You can advance from one pane to another (Upper, Lower and Navigation) by
pressing the SHIFT + TAB keys. Note that a red frame appears around the
active pane (shown below, it is the upper pane). Advance from one screen
element (such as boxes and buttons) to another by pressing the TAB key.
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Introduction to the Circulation Client
Version 16
Updated: October 15, 2003
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2.2.1 Upper and Lower Panes
The node selected in the navigation tree governs the display of information in the
panes. The display can consist of a form, a list, or a record. Note that the upper
and lower panes change according to context.
In the example above, the lower pane contains detailed information relating to
the line highlighted in the upper pane (in Loans).
In this second example, the lower pane contains a dialog box enabling you to
update the information regarding the highlighted line in the upper pane (Hold
Requests).
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Introduction to the Circulation Client
Version 16
Updated: October 15, 2003
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2.3 Main Tab
The Main tab consists of a row of five icons
that correspond to
the major activities in Circulation. All five tabs are within the Navigation Tree.
Clicking an icon invokes the interface associated with that icon. For example,
clicking the Loan icon invokes the interface for conducting loan-related activities.
2.3.1 Navigation Tree: Loan Tab
When lending an item to a patron, use this option to record the transaction.
2.3.2 Navigation Tree: Return Tab
Use the Return tab to return items on loan and to view a log of previous returns.
During a return, you can also settle the patron's cash related matters.
2.3.3 Navigation Tree: Patron Tab
Use the Patron tab to view and update patron registration information and cash
transactions; view loans with the ability to renew or change due dates; view and
delete hold and photocopy requests and advance bookings; give the patron
items that are held for him in the reading room; view a patron's proxies and
sponsor; view a list of ILL requests.
2.3.4 Navigation Tree: Item Tab
Choosing the Item tab activates the Item field in the Item bar. There are two
parent nodes, Item List and Item. The Item List displays all the title's items,
whereas Item displays circulation information of a specific item.
2.3.5 Navigation Tree: Search Tab
The Search function is used to:
 Locate a group of items sharing common characteristics.
 Locate a specific item.
 Request additional information on the items located.
 Transfer the record to another module for other activities.
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Introduction to the Circulation Client
Version 16
Updated: October 15, 2003
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Searching the Database
Queries can be performed by full or truncated texts, in upper or lower case.
There are two modes for querying the database -- BROWSE and FIND. In
BROWSE mode, you browse through an alphabetical list (authors, titles,
subjects, etc.) to find what you are looking for.
In FIND mode you use free text search to retrieve what you are looking for.
2.3 Root
In the example below, the Navigation Tree: Patron Tab has been selected within the
Main Tab. Both Patron Activity and Patron Registration are roots.
2.4 Nodes
In the example above, all activities related to Patron Activity are nodes.
© Ex Libris, Inc. 2003
Introduction to the Circulation Client
Version 16
Updated: October 15, 2003
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Introduction to the Circulation Client
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Updated: October 15, 2003
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Introduction to the Circulation Client
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Introduction to the Circulation Client
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Updated: October 15, 2003
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Introduction to the Circulation Client
Version 16
Updated: October 15, 2003