A Computer Circulation System Feasibility Study

Queen Mary College library houses about 141, 000 books on all academic subjects serving 2500 students. There are three full time staff employed on circulation work, at least two of whom are on the circulation counter during the working day. Additionally, staff normally employed elsewhere in the library work a total of 40 hours a week on circulation in such a way that in the evenings and on Saturdays one person is on the counter. Library hours are 9. 15 a.m. to 9. 30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 9. 15 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday. The average monthly loan figure is 2800. Undergraduate students may borrow 3 books at a time, postgraduates 5, and staff an unlimited number. The loan period varies from overnight to one term according to the type of material. The issue system at present uses two‐part NCR stationery on which details of book and borrower are entered by the borrower; the two halves are filed by author, and by date due back.