Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
The information desk also serves as the registration desk. Anyone who wants to be
registered as a member of the library has to apply with Lisa. She writes the data needed
on a registration form. These forms are collected daily by someone from the central offi ce.
Within a few days, the new member receives a letter welcoming him/her as a new member
and informing him/her about the library rules. The letter also contains the fee to be paid,
and the message that the membership card can be collected at the branch offi ce. By default,
this fee is the standard annual fee as determined by the library board. Exceptions may be
made for people without means. In that case, Lisa applies in writing to the library board for
the reduced fee. Of course, she has to wait for the board's decision, which she also gets in
writing, before the membership can be registered. One gets the membership card after cash
payment of the fee. The membership card has a bar code on it representing the membership
number.
If one wants to borrow a topic, one has to take (a copy of) the topic from the shelves
and take it to the out-desk. Tim or Kevin will then scan the bar code on the membership card,
as well as the bar code on the topic. These data are automatically entered into the library
information system (LIS). The topic is now considered to be lent to the member. No more
than fi ve topics may be lent simultaneously to the same member.
When one returns a topic, one goes to the in-desk and hands the topic to Louise. She
scans the topic code, which is automatically entered into LIS. On the screen of her com-
puter, she sees whether the loan period is exceeded or not. If it is, she also sees the fi ne
that has to be paid. The person who returns the topic has to pay the fi ne right away and in
cash. After payment, Louise marks the topic in her computer as returned. If the loan period
is not exceeded, she only enters that the topic has been returned. Returned topics are piled
on a table next to Louise. About every hour Lisa collects the pile and puts the topics back
on the shelves.
Every month, the librarian (Maria) decides which titles should be added and how many
copies per title have to be ordered. She does so on the basis of the announcements of new
topics she knows of (by means of fl yers of publishers but also by surfi ng on the web).
At the start of a new calendar year, Lisa sends out invoices to all current members for
the annual membership fee. Fees have to be paid in cash at the branch offi ce. If applicable,
she also sends renewal requests for the reduced fee to the library boards.
