Getting Started with Repairs
The First Step
When you come across an item requiring repairs, first change the Item Status in Aleph. the status is then automatically changed in the OPAC to inform patrons seeking the item that it has been set aside for repair.
If the item is needed immediately, inform the staff member in charge of repairs. Let the patron know they will be contacted as soon as the item is available. Once repaired, the item will become a Hold and placed on the Hold shelf for the patron (see “Holds”).
Sometimes, we allow the patron to take the item as is, if the damages are not too severe. The book will then be repaired upon its return. Ask the patron to return it directly to a staff member at the Circulation desk rather than putting in the return bin.
When you come across an item requiring repairs, first change the Item Status in Aleph. the status is then automatically changed in the OPAC to inform patrons seeking the item that it has been set aside for repair.
If the item is needed immediately, inform the staff member in charge of repairs. Let the patron know they will be contacted as soon as the item is available. Once repaired, the item will become a Hold and placed on the Hold shelf for the patron (see “Holds”).
Sometimes, we allow the patron to take the item as is, if the damages are not too severe. The book will then be repaired upon its return. Ask the patron to return it directly to a staff member at the Circulation desk rather than putting in the return bin.
To change the item’s status:
Go to ‘Items’ in the Circulation module of Aleph, and choose ‘Change Item Process Status’.
A new box will pop up. To change the status, click on the arrow for the Item Process Status field and choose ‘SR’ for repairs (you can also type in this status). The next field is left blank. The ‘Check Request’ box is checked by default and stays that way (if there is a hold on the item, it will be repaired a.s.a.p.). Click on the ‘Barcode’ field and scan the barcode of the item to be repaired.
A new box will pop up. To change the status, click on the arrow for the Item Process Status field and choose ‘SR’ for repairs (you can also type in this status). The next field is left blank. The ‘Check Request’ box is checked by default and stays that way (if there is a hold on the item, it will be repaired a.s.a.p.). Click on the ‘Barcode’ field and scan the barcode of the item to be repaired.
If you scan the barcode, it will change the status without clicking OK’.
If you type in the barcode, you will have to click ‘OK’ or hit ‘Enter’ on the keyboard to change the status in the catalogue.
To change the status back to ‘In Library’ once the item is repaired, follow the above instructions except leave the ‘Item Process Status’ field blank.
To change the status back to ‘In Library’ once the item is repaired, follow the above instructions except leave the ‘Item Process Status’ field blank.
Next, fill out a white repair slip to put in the item:
Blank slips are found in the wooden box next to the periodical manual check out cards. Please fill out each section of the slip.
Put the slip in the item like a bookmark with the top of the slip showing. Place the item on the ‘Repairs’ shelf at the Circulation desk. The staff member responsible for repairs periodically gathers up the items.
- If the item only needs repairs, check off the ‘Repair’ box.
- If the item needs repairs and a new label, check off the ‘Repair and Relabel’ box.
- If the item only needs a label, refer to the ‘Relabeling’ section.
Put the slip in the item like a bookmark with the top of the slip showing. Place the item on the ‘Repairs’ shelf at the Circulation desk. The staff member responsible for repairs periodically gathers up the items.
When doing repairs, It is always a good idea to keep your repair area neat and tidy. Here are some guidelines to help you:
- Always keep your repair tools in good repair. Keep tools clean and well-sharpened where necessary.
- The exacto knife blade should be changed regularly, and scissors should be cleaned to keep them free from the glue used on book tape.
- Keep the work area clean.
- Do not leave tools and supplies scattered all over the area. Put tools and supplies in their proper location when you are finished.
- Keep the surface clear of any glue blobs, pieces of tape, etc., so they are not transferred to other items.
- Some of the tools are extremely sharp. Please use caution.
- If you do cut yourself, as heartless as it may sound, try not to bleed on the items. Not only would that be unhygienic for you and others eventually using the book, but also blood is extremely difficult to clean from paper.
- If you do cut yourself, and it is a minor wound, thoroughly clean and dress the wound immediately. If it is a more serious wound, contact the Library’s first aid responder.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Your hands can get sticky and dirty very quickly, and you can transfer dirt and stickiness to other items.
- Batch similar repairs.
- It makes it easier to do similar repairs at once rather than jumping from one type of repair to another. Especially so when you have a lot of books requiring glue, as you need to clean the glue brush not long after you stop using it so it does not harden.
- Do not eat or drink in the repair area.
- Many of the items you will be repairing may be old, dirty and crumbly. Not the cleanest environment to eat in. Plus, you do not want to make the items worse by spilling something on them.
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