Here is one of those fiddly little things which drive us all mad at
different times and where we hope someone else has solved our problem.
We are looking for ways of making clear to users what system requirements
(operating system; processor speed; soundcard or not etc.) are required if
they want to borrow one of our CD-ROMs.
At present we put a sticker with tick boxes for
Dos/Windows/Mac/Soundcard/other on the front of the case. (I know that Dos
is probably no longer needed but the darn things are pre-printed.) We put a
sticker (in lieu of a date label) and barcode on the back which we already
have difficulty in placing without obscuring important information.
We want to balance making information visible for the user with the ease of
handling on library counters. One idea has been to rely on the information
from the manufacturer which is on the case and to put the barcode on a piece
of paper (which would double as a date label) inside. This would ensure
staff had to open the case and could check the CD-ROM on return but would
slow up counter processes.
Any other suggestions or comments will be gratefully received. I will
summarise to anyone interested (or to the list if there is enough demand.)
Andrew Coburn
Acquisitions and Cataloguing Manager
Essex CC
Tel. 01245 284981 ext. 255
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