Policy on Individual Library Itypes - DRAFT

Recommended by: Itype Reduction Committee to LINC Policy Council on January 12, 2004

Background

In 2004, the LINC libraries migrated from Dynix Classic software to Horizon.  To implement the migration, all policies and codes that were implemented on Dynix Classic were transferred to Horizon.  Although the software products are similar, they are also very different.  Horizon relies on åcirculation tables and matricesπ and this data must be transferred to each staff client workstation whenever the user logs in.  We were informed by Dynix personnel that the large number of individual library itypes slow down response time and make management more complex.  After the migration, LINC Policy Council adopted a policy where libraries would share itypes and global settings for those itypes, as well as a selected group of location-specific settings available for the shared itypes. 

However, there are some specific library needs that dictate a specific library itype.  This poolicy sets forth the reasons for why a specific itype may be requested, along with the procedure for requesting a specific library itype.

Policy

With Horizon software, libraries that wish to limit circulation of items to particular types of patrons must have a specific itype.  Because many of these rules already exist, libraries that limit circulation of items to patrons will need a specific itype set up to allow them to do this.  These itypes will be allowed, after consultation between LTLS staff and the library director and final action by LINC Policy Council.

For future needs, libraries can request specific itypes if individual library policies dictate a need and the policies of the LINC libraries allow this.  There are some known reasons for requesting specific library itypes:

1. The Horizon Reserve Room module, if implemented by a member library, will require specific itypes to track these special materials.

2. The Horizon Media scheduling module, which allows items to be booked far in advance, will require specific itypes for these special materials.

3. Items that need special request exemptions will require specific itypes.

With new developments in Horizon functionality, other reasons may come to light in the future.

Request Procedure

A request for a specific library itype code must be made using the Horizon Library-Specific Itype Request Form, found on the LTLS web site.  This itype code request will be reviewed by the LINC Automation Consultant and requires one-on-one consultation between LTLS staff and the library director.  Final approval of specific library itypes will be taken by LINC Policy Council.  It is likely that only a limit number of specific library itypes will be granted.