Charging and Discharging

The data contributed on this subject are so uneven and varying that any accurate and minute comparison is impossible at present. The functions that constitute a charge or discharge are variously regarded by different libraries. The eighteen libraries forming the basis of this study, with a note of their charging systems, may be roughly arranged in the following groups:

Reversing this arrangement and grouping under charging systems, we have:

It is evident from this tabulation that libraries of the same character use the same systems—identical in their essentials but different in detail. College libraries and those whose use corresponds to that of a college library find with but two exceptions a double file useful—one of borrower and one of books—the latter varying greatly in arrangement, owing to the distinctions between students and faculty.

A résumé of the college and state systems studied follows:

Iowa State. When book is issued, assistant copies the call number from the book plate upon a manila charge slip, then adds the name of borrower and her date of loan. Charge slips are deposited temporarily in a drawer, and next morning are arranged by call-number and filed in the charging tray. There are no fines; books are issued subject to call. The first of each month the tray is examined; all slips bearing a date a month old are taken out, compared with the shelves to ascertain if the books have been returned, and shelved without being discharged, and with the shelf list, to verify the call number; at which time the author and title are copied on the reverse side of slip. Notices requesting the return of books are filled in with the author, title and date of loan, and sent to borrowers. Date of notice is placed on charge slips with colored pencil, and the slips refiled in tray. In discharging books, the slips bearing corresponding call numbers are taken from tray and destroyed.

Oberlin College. Charge. Book pocket contains two cards, one white, one pink with author's name, title of book and call number and accession number. Borrower signs name on both and leaves on desk. Dating slip with date of issue is put in book pocket. Assistant stamps both cards with date of issue—filing white cards by call number under date and pink card alphabetically with borrower's card under borrower's name. These are ultimately divided into two files, the "day file" and the "long file," the latter including books drawn by professors and others privileged to retain them more than two weeks. When book is returned dating slip is taken out and saved for future use. Book is checked off by finding book card in file and borrower's name is checked from that. Pink card is then withdrawn from borrower's file.