CS Library (CSL) is a program for the control of small libraries. It is set up to use and print bar coded patron id cards and bar codes on the books for check in/out of materials. Bar code readers are optional since any information normally scanned in by a bar code reader may also be typed in.
A bar code label is created for each book and each patron. The patron label is usually then attached to the patron's library card. CSL uses inexpensive standard one inch continuous mailing labels for use with a dot matrix printer like the ImageWriter. For laser and inkjet printers CSL uses standard 3 across 10 down sheets of laser labels.
The system is set up so that it may be used in the traditional way, where the librarians check out every book, or it can be used as an honor system checkout. In the latter case the patron merely scans his or her library card bar code then scans the bar code on each book they are checking out. Because CS Library is set up for the honor system it will always open up directly to the "Check Out" window. Other librarian functions are then accessed from the Options menu with a password and cannot be used by the patron.
(Use the password "mn" until you set up your own.)
Notice the "Find" button on the Check Out window. Pushing this button brings up a search catalog window to help the patron locate a particular book. After a patron has entered their ID in the "Your ID" field they can hit the "List" button to get a complete list of all items that they have checked out. If you have a printer attached to the computer they can also print out this list.
Checking in returned books is a librarian function and is accomplished by merely scanning (or typing) the bar code label ID of the returned book. CS Library takes care of the rest of the record keeping.
