Input methods for United Kingdom computer‐based circulation systems Available to Purchase

Input methods for circulation systems are considered, with particular attention to the range of checks possible at the time data is being input. The amount of checking possible depends on whether the system is off‐line, on‐line real‐time, or hybrid, although the advent of microprocessors enables extra checking to take place in all these types of system. Examples are given of checks, which can detect hardware malfunctioning and operator error, and can compare information, as it is input, against variable sets of data (e.g., in an on‐line real‐time system, against the number of books on loan to a borrower). A list of points to consider when assessing data collection equipment is given, followed by notes on the three kinds of equipment (ALS, Plessey, Telepen) most widely used in United Kingdom circulation systems. It is noted that there is an increasing range of choice of equipment and software, and that the major consideration when assessing the options must be the individual library's requirements.