Real‐time circulation control at the John Rylands University Library of Manchester

Accommodation, slock, readership and borrowing practice at JRULM are briefly surveyed as also the reasons for introducing a real‐time computerised circulation system. After a short outline of this, details are given of the hardware (mainframe, communication processors, terminals and stationery). Next the software for the central system and the minicomputers is described, followed by an account of the files. Operation of the system is explained first as regards data preparation, for books and for readers, and then as regards counter service—issues, returns and renewals, enquiries and reservations. Staff commitment is briefly reviewed and some general observations made on performance and difficulties.