Cataloging - Mobile Hot Spots

Cataloging - Mobile Hot Spots

About

This article covers instructions for MSC libraries cataloging mobile hot spots – whether received from the Montana State Library during COVID-19 or purchased separately.

Hot Spots from MSL

If your library received a hot spot from MSL during COVID-19, your library’s holding may already exist on the preferred mobile hot spot record.
To catalog a hot spot received from MSL:
1. Open the Call Number and Item Maintenance wizard. (Cataloging module > Common Tasks toolbar > Call Number…).
2. Search ALL libraries by the Title Control # that corresponds with your carrier/filtering setting:

Hot Spot Carrier
Title Control #
Verizon mobile hotspot - filtered
a2786388
Verizon mobile hotspot
a2786375
T-Mobile hotspot - filtered
a2786391
T-Mobile hotspot
a2786390

3. Once the record displays, click Modify.
4. Click the Call Number/Item tab.
5. If your library’s holding already exists, highlight it and click Modify; if it doesn't already exist, click Add Call Number and type your preferred call number, e.g. HOTSPOT MEAGHER.
Don't add a call number analytic, e.g. |ZVerizon, to any of your hot spot records! Doing so will make placing holds more complicated and frustrating for the user. The records listed in the chart above were created to make placing holds easier.
6. Update the item ID with one of your library’s item barcodes.
7. Hot spots 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 hot spots to these branches.
  1. Type: 14DAYLOCAL or 7DAYLOCAL.
  2. Home location: CIRC-DESK (adjust as needed for your library).
  3. Item cat1: HOTSPOT (required).
  4. Item cat5: MSLGRANT (required).
Item information with the HOTSPOT, MSLGRANT, and STAFF note fields highlighted

8. Add the SIM number and the IMEI number of the hot spot in the  STAFF notes.
9. Click Save.

Non-MSL Hot Spots

When cataloging a hot spot your library purchased, please add your holdings to the same mobile hot spot record described above.
To catalog a non-MSL hot spot:
1. Open the Call Number and Item Maintenance wizard. (Cataloging module > Common Tasks toolbar > Call Number…).
2. Search ALL libraries by the Title Control # that corresponds with your carrier/filtering setting:

Hot Spot Carrier
Title Control #
Verizon mobile hotspot - filtered
a2786388
Verizon mobile hotspot
a2786375
T-Mobile hotspot - filtered
a2786391
T-Mobile hotspot
a2786390

3. Once the record displays, click Modify.
4. Click the Call Number/Item tab.
5. Click Add Call Number.
6. Fill out the item info according to your library’s policy.
7. For item cat1, select HOTSPOT. If you don't have this item category, please open a ticket.
8. Once the record is complete, click Save.

Fines and Fees on Mobile Hotspots

The State Library prefers that libraries do not charge overdue fines on the mobile hot spots. 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, damaged by a patron, or not returned, replacements will be covered by the State Library. Please notify the State Library if this happens by opening a ticket (Department: Statewide Projects) before deleting the mobile hot spot item record.
For more information on deleting mobile hot spot item records from the system, see Cataloging - Discarding vs Deleting Records.

More Information

For more information on hot spots 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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