About
This article covers instructions for MSC libraries cataloging kits containing hot spots and tablets -- iPads, Kindle Fires, Microsoft Surfaces, etc. -- received from the Montana State Library during COVID-19 or purchased separately.
Kits Containing Hot Spots or Tablets from MSL
Kits containing either a hot spot or tablet (or both!) from MSL need to have an item ID assigned to each item in the kit, that way MSL can gather accurate usage statistics. This means staff will need to check out each of a kit's pieces at checkout.
To catalog one of these kits:
1.
Open the
Call Number and Item Maintenance wizard. (Cataloging module > Common Tasks toolbar > Call Number…).
2.
Search
ALL libraries by
Title Control #
a2673121.
3.
Once the record displays, click
Modify.
4.
Click the
Call Number/Item tab.
5.
Click Add Call Number.
6. Enter your call number, e.g. TABLET KIT #1.
7.
Update the
item ID for the
first piece in the kit with one of your library’s item barcodes.
8. Fill out the rest of the item information (see below).
9. Click
Add Item.
10. Update the
item ID for the
next
piece in the kit with one of your library’s item barcodes.
11. Fill out the rest of the item information (see below).
12. Mark one of the pieces of the kit as
shadowed - this will prevent patrons from placing holds on only one item in the kit.
12. Click
Save.
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 kits to these branches.
- Type: Library preference (must match the hot spot item type). 14DAYLOCAL or 7DAYLOCAL recommended.
- Home location: Library preference.
- Item cat1: TABLET (required).
- Item cat5: MSLGRANT** (required). **Choose this option only if the tablet was received from MSL.
- STAFF: Serial # - Bundled with hot spot SIM#; IMEI#.
For example: Serial # - Bundled with hotspot SIM# 55555555555555555555; IMEI# 000000000000000.
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 kits to these branches.
- Type: Library preference (must match the tablet item type). 14DAYLOCAL or 7DAYLOCAL recommended.
- Home location: Library preference.
- Item cat1: HOTSPOT (required).
- Item cat5: MSLGRANT** (required). **Choose this option only if the hot spot was received from MSL.
- STAFF: SIM#; IMEI# - Bundled with tablet seral #.
For example: SIM# 55555555555555555555; IMEI# 000000000000000 - Bundled with tablet serial #.
Fines and Fees on Kits
The State Library prefers that libraries
do not charge overdue fines on the hot spots or iPads. 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:
- No fines
- 10 cents per day
- $1.00 per day
Replacements
If an MSL
hot spot is lost by a patron or not returned, replacements will be covered by the State Library. If an MSL
iPad is lost by a patron or not returned, please
open a ticket to see if MSL has a replacement available.