ELiMS Training Overview

Quick RFID ELiMS Facts:

- If Sirsi says you can override the system then you can, otherwise the capability is not there to do so with the Sirsi Business Rule.

- Antenna tunning has been completed and BRS knows how to re-tune your antennas if something happens.

- Cable generates frequency to the antenna…If the book is placed close to the cable coming from the antenna, then the book may be read from that as well, so make sure you DON’T place books on the antenna cable.

-Make sure the cable is as straight as it can be to keep the Antenna read range strong

- Main menu 3 green status icon at the bottom of the menu is good, Green= All systems Go

- If any of the buttons or words turn RED at any time, then something is down or unplugged. Error message will appear 30 seconds after the error occurs, there is No need to shut down/stop the system just check the 3 icons… (easy troubleshooting)

Here’s a quick overview of the Staff Training Session held 3/31/10:

REMEMBER: Instructions pertaining to each ELiMS Function has its’ own separate page on the Blog with pictures and videos. You can find these Page titles on the “Home” page,  scroll down and they are on the right side.

FOR A TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE, CLICK HERE: http://tnrfidlibrary.wordpress.com/troubleshooting/

Arm/Disarm Module -

• Can do multiple books at a time… recommend max of 3 at a time.
• Checking out an item using the self check machine automatically disarms the item allowing the patron to exit through the gate without the alarm sounding.
• View: Place the item on the reader, click on the disarm module and the item is read and shown as disarmed (Confirm that the message DISARM is displayed below in RED). Vice versa for the arm module.
• RED Number in the top right corner of the screen shows the # of books on the pad (Good to cross check).
• View Module -
  • Read the information from the tag (branch ID, etc.) –Note: 00 is the Linebaugh branch code.
  • Viewing one book at a time is best…

Shelving/Sorting Module -

• All info here comes from Sirsi
• Shows holds, in transit and more specific details regarding the books/ items
• Staff will go to this screen mostly for returns due to the specific details it displays…
  • Return module only does the check in and doesn’t tell you whether something is in transit or on hold…
  • Will have the option to print the HOLD RECEIPT for those items being returned to the correct library branch. Option will appear stating, “print receipt”… If an item is returned to the incorrect branch then the staff will place the item in transit going to its original branch where that staff will print the HOLD RECEIPT for the patron. (Recording 12 minute mark)
  • NOTE: Linebaugh’s system requires that they hold the item for 4 days from the time a call is made to the patron. Volunteers call the patrons who place an item on hold.
• Successfully returned… shows the title and specific information on that book so the staff can verify that is the correct information.
• If an item is in transit or cannot be returned at that branch, then an alarm will sound informing the staff and show the branch that it needs to be returned to its original branch and checked in properly.
• The item will need to be checked in via the Shelving Module at the original library branch for it to be taken off transit and to determine if a hold is on the item or not (if item is on hold, then a HOLD RECEIPT will be printed if on hold at the HOME LOCATION).
• If an item belongs to the Linebaugh branch and is on hold for a patron in Smyrna then the staff will not print the HOLD RECEIPT at Linebaugh as it is checked in from transit, but will do so when the item arrives at Smyrna for that patron
• Book Returns: You can return Items as the PREVIOUS Day, but ONLY on the ELiMS STAFF/CTR Module

Borrow Module/ Check Out-

• Scan patron card/enter barcode # and it should show you who the patron is. Once the patron is logged in, the system will go to online mode and allow for the items to be Checked Out.
• Place max 3 items on the pad and it will read all 3 items (item code, title, etc.) and will say the items have been processed. The patron can go back and view the books/items being checked out.
• If an alarm sounds on the items and the patron walks out the door with that item, the gates will sound…
• 2 options for user/patron: print receipt or go back

Return Module/ Check In -

• Max 3 at one time
• Library staff will use the Shelving Module and not the Return module to check in books. Patrons will not be doing their own Returns…

Dual Monitors Systems -

• • Primary Monitor = Staff Side, secondary Monitor= Patron (check-out/Renew)
  • Controls can be interchanged if needed, per Arun (not necessary)
  • Once start-up the system in the morning, the staff will need to set up the patron screen (move the borrow module/window over to the patron screen with the cursor) – This screen will stay on the Patron Side all day
  • Borrow/ Check Out Module won’t automatically open on the Secondary Monitor/ Patron Side because it is using the same PC that is configured to open everything up on the one screen (Primary Monitor)
  • Patron Side=  touch screen
  • The Staff can see the Patron screen and assist with the Check-Out (Borrow) or can continue on with separate task in a separate window (unknown to patron).
  • Right click-Open to bring up the Patron Check – Out screen on the Staff screen.
  • When alarm from the station sounds, Rita asked that the screen send a message to the Patron saying, “Please see library staff” .

Gates -

• Control Box-
  • Patron Counter – divide by two to get an accurate count on the day
  • Volume control for the Alarm
• RFID antenna outlines the perimeter of the panel to ensure its read range catches all books exiting the library.