Cataloging - Laptops

Cataloging - Laptops

About

This article covers instructions for MSC libraries cataloging laptops, such as HP Pros, whether received from the Montana State Library during COVID-19 or purchased separately.
To catalog a Chromebook or other device using generic records, see Cataloging - Equipment/Devices.


Laptops from MSL

If your library received a laptop (HP Pro) from MSL during COVID-19, your library’s holding may already exist on the preferred laptop record.
To catalog a laptop (HP Pro)  received from MSL:
1. Open the  Call Number and Item Maintenance wizard. (Cataloging module > Common Tasks toolbar > Call Number…).
2. Search  ALL  libraries by  Title Control #  a2629657 .
3. Once the record displays, click  Modify.
4. Click the  Call Number/Item tab.

5. If  your library’s holding already exists, highlight it; if it  doesn't already exist, click  Add Call Number and type your preferred call number, e.g. LAPTOP #1 or HP PRO. A call number like HP PRO will give patrons more information if you want the laptops to be discoverable / holdable in the online catalog.

6. Update the  item ID with one of your library’s item barcodes.

7. Laptops from MSL should have the following fields filled in:
Please  open a ticket if you don't have the item categories described below and/or if you have branch libraries and would like to circulate laptops to these branches.
  1. Type: 14DAYLOCAL or 7DAYLOCAL recommended.
  2. Home location: CIRC-DESK (adjust as needed for your library).
  3. Item cat1: LAPTOP (required).
  4. Item cat5: MSLGRANT (required).
Item information with categories 1 and 5, and fields CIRCNOTE and STAFF filled out

8. Add a CIRCNOTE listing contents included with the laptop (if any), e.g. charger, mouse, case, etc.
9. Add the  serial number of the laptop in the  STAFF notes.
10. Click  Save.

Non-MSL Laptops

To catalog a  non-MSL laptop:
1. Open the  Call Number and Item Maintenance wizard. (Cataloging module > Common Tasks toolbar > Call Number…).
2. Search  ALL libraries by  Title Control #  a2629657.
3. Once the record displays, click  Modify.
4. Click the  Call Number/Item tab.
5. Click  Add Call Number.

6. Make sure your  call number indicates the kind of laptop, e.g. DELL, HP PRO, or similar. A call number like HP PRO will give patrons more information if you want the laptops to be discoverable / holdable in the online catalog.

7. Fill out the item info according to your library’s policy.
8. For  item cat1, select LAPTOP. If you don't have this item category, please  open a ticket
9. Once the record is complete, click  Save.

Fines and Fees on Laptops

The State Library prefers that libraries  do not charge overdue fines on the laptops. We recognize that local policy may mean the library needs to charge an overdue fine equivalent to what is charged for physical materials. For  Montana Shared Catalog libraries, fine options are:
  1. No fines
  2. 10 cents per day
  3. $1.00 per day

Replacements

If an MSL laptop is lost by a patron or not returned, please  open a ticket to see if MSL has a replacement available.

More Information

For more information on laptops provided by MSL, including setup and support information, example circulation policies, FAQs, marketing materials, and more, see the  Montana State Library Hot Spot Lending Program page.

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