Cataloging - Hot Spot/Tablet Kits

Cataloging - Hot Spot/Tablet Kits

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.
To catalog a different device or kit using generic records, see Cataloging - Equipment/Devices.


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.

Tablet Item Information

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.
  1. Type: Library preference (must match the hot spot item type). 14DAYLOCAL or 7DAYLOCAL recommended.
  2. Home location: Library preference.
  3. Item cat1: TABLET (required).
  4. Item cat5: MSLGRANT** (required). **Choose this option only if the tablet was received from MSL.
  5. STAFF: Serial # - Bundled with hot spot SIM#; IMEI#.
    For example: Serial # - Bundled with hotspot SIM# 55555555555555555555; IMEI# 000000000000000.
Tablet item record with relevant fields highlighted

Hot Spot Item Information

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.
  1. Type: Library preference (must match the tablet item type). 14DAYLOCAL or 7DAYLOCAL recommended.
  2. Home location: Library preference.
  3. Item cat1: HOTSPOT (required).
  4. Item cat5: MSLGRANT** (required). **Choose this option only if the hot spot was received from MSL.
  5. STAFF: SIM#; IMEI# - Bundled with tablet seral #.
    For example: SIM# 55555555555555555555; IMEI# 000000000000000 - Bundled with tablet serial #.
Hot spot item record with relevant fields highlighted

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:
  1. No fines
  2. 10 cents per day
  3. $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.

More Information

For more information on hot spots or iPads 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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