A serial module is an add-on to an LMS and can manage subscriptions to serials. The serial module provides: • Subscription management, including frequency adding/editing, which determines how often the library receives issues and how many issues the library gets. • Serial numbering patterns editing, which defines the customizable serial pattern; it can be related to day, month, year, volume, number, or any custom numbers. • Adding/Editing subscriptions: choose from a selected vendor (from the acquisitions module or by vendor ID) and add the record (use a unique ID for the serial, for example, the biblionumber of the MARC record when using Koha LMS). • Receiving issues: use an action button to change the status of a serial; it can be Arrived, Late, Missing, etc. There is also a bulk editing page for each subscription. • Allows patrons and library staff to see the serial subscription status, including frequency, start/end date, and availability. • Optional routing list, which is a list to pass on before the serial goes to the shelf. For example, it can include specific doctors who need to read a medical serial before the issue goes to the public.
Some common serial statuses are: • Expected – while we are under the waiting period for its arrival. • Arrived – confirming it is in the library’s possession. • Circulating – while it is circulating through a routing list. • Bound – when it is bound. • Late – when it is past the estimated waiting time. • Missing – can have reasons behind it, such as never received or damaged. • Claimed – means the issue has not arrived, but a claim was sent to the vendor.
Self-Serve Kiosk A Self-Serve Kiosk is an add-on hardware module that can be integrated with a Learning Management System (LMS) to streamline user access and automate administrative functions. It allows patrons to borrow and return materials with minimal assistance from staff. Typically, the kiosk features a touchscreen interface, a barcode reader, an RFID reader, and a small receipt printer for transaction records.
Before the introduction of automated kiosks, patrons often needed to wait several minutes in line to receive service from library staff. In the early days, libraries relied on barcode and magnetic stripe systems, which already improved efficiency by allowing items to be scanned within seconds. However, technology has continued to advance with the introduction of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). RFID uses small label stickers embedded in library materials, allowing the kiosk’s RFID reader to detect and process multiple items simultaneously without direct line of sight.
As implementation costs have fallen and technical standards have matured, self-serve kiosk systems have become increasingly available and affordable for libraries of all sizes, providing a faster, more convenient, and user-friendly borrowing experience.