Library circulation

Library circulation is the term for the library department responsible for the loan or distribution of materials between the library and its patrons.

Some functions of the circulation desk staff may include:

• Checking materials out to patrons
• Checking in materials returned
• Monitoring materials for damage and routing them to the appropriate staff for repair or replacement
• Troubleshooting circulation technology, i.e. library circulation software, scanners, printers, etc.
• Collecting statistics on library use, i.e. patron transactions, material checkouts, etc.

In a small library or branch, these tasks may be managed by a single person, as may all other library operations.

See also

• Library technical services
• Library reference desk
• Library acquisitions
• Cataloging