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*{Annual Report of the Librarian  November 2001  GB 746}

*{Barcodes and computerization}
 This year we continued the process of computerizing
 information relating to the library.
 This process started several years ago with the entering
 of the entire Darwin collection into the University
 Libraries' catalogue.  The next  step, taken
 this year, was to relabel all our books with new labels bearing
 a unique bar code corresponding to the identifier
 in the University catalogue. Each book has been given two identical
 labels, one on the back cover, and one inside the front cover.

 These unique labels offer several advantages.

o
	Future stockchecks will be sped up: 
	we will simply scan all the back covers.
o
	Book-borrowing can be made more efficient for users:
	instead of filling out a slip with the book's classmark,
	author, and title, and their own name,
	the user will (when the system is complete)
	be able  simply to enter  their email identifier 
	and enter the book's identifier (or scan its label).
	It is hoped that reducing
	the work involved in checking out a book will lead to
	a reduction in the level of unrecorded borrowing.
o
	When the computerized book-borrowing system is in place,
	the labour involved in  issuing book-recall notices
	will be greatly reduced. Instead of writing recall
	notices by hand, the student librarian will be able 
	to send an automatic reminder by email.
	The barcodes will also make easier the recording of returned books.
	Other administrative tasks, such as the replacement of
	damaged spine labels, will also be partly-automatable.




 The major task of adding the new labels to the books
 was undertaken at the same time as
 the annual stockcheck. The main collection has been labelled
 and the labelling of the Finley collection  is now being completed
 -- a more difficult task,
 as most of the Finley books have identical classmarks.

 Several hundred books not present in the catalogue have emerged
 from this thorough book check. These books are being added to the
 catalogue. The task of keeping the online catalogue up to
 date is  considerable, and is carried out with exemplary
 thoroughness by the student librarian.

 Our current estimate of the total number of missing books is 1668,
 relative to the online catalogue, which was created in 1994.


*{Book purchases}
 Suggestions for books to purchase are always sought from 
 college members.  We continue to purchase books of general
 interest, and books related to  Darwin and evolution.
 Cambridge University Press have generously provided a substantial
  credit.
 Recommendations of appropriate  C.U.P.\ books are thus especially
 sought at this time.

Book recommendations may be made as follows:\\
 Go to the library support page,
	{{http://metafaq.ytko.com/faq/darwin/library}},
 select the `New query' button, and enter the details of the book.
 Alternatively, if you prefer to use phone, paper, or email, 
 please send your suggestions to x35778, ``The Librarians", or
 {{librarian@dar}}, respectively.



*{Acknowledgements}
 The smooth running of the library
 depends on the fine work of the student librarian, Joanna Shearer.
 Joanna  carried out the enormous task of the relabelling
 with cheerful efficiency. 
 The  close involvement of the computer officer, Espen Koht,
 has been essential to the success  of this year's developments,
 and the college owes a great deal to both Espen and Joanna for their
 work this year.




David MacKay 
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