Automated Circulation of Unbound Periodicals: A Survey of Practices

Libraries, both public and academic, deciding to circulate unbound periodicals in an automated circulation system, must develop procedures for handling individual issues. A survey of 232 public and academic libraries, using four major turnkey systems, revealed that most public libraries circulate or plan to circulate unbound periodicals in an automated system while most academic libraries do not. Most libraries are satisfied with automated circulation of unbound periodicals. Methods used by public libraries are summarized; those employed by academic libraries are described. The procedures developed at the Eastern Washington University Library are explained in detail.