BLOGS  >  APRIL 29, 2022

Top 3 Reasons to Track Library Books and Devices Differently


Teaching and learning are different now than two years ago. With hybrid learning in just about every district, there is an increased need for accountability, transparency, and reporting.

When you are already tracking library books with a library management system, you might consider simply tracking all assets within your library management system. Here are three reasons why you are setting yourself up for failure.

1. A library management system designed for libraries. 
Although the Library of Congress supports cataloging equipment records, often library staff are not familiar with how to properly catalog equipment using a MARC record template. Cataloging, circulation, inventory, and reporting are based on MARC records and how those MARC records are used in a library.

2. Data becomes inaccurate. 
If devices are entered into a library management system, they can be mixed in with the search results of books, making it difficult for students and teachers to locate information. In addition, circulation statistics can be skewed, making the financial reporting of the library collection inaccurate.

3. Location tracking is unavailable.
Just having circulation tracking capability will not help you in the long run. Eventually, you’ll need to move a device to another location or report on more than who checked out the device. A separate asset management system allows for devices and ownership to be transferred between schools, while a library management system simply allows for interlibrary lending of resources.

What to look for in an asset management system.
When looking for an asset management system, make sure you find a system that provides inventory management at both a district and a school level. In addition, having a system that can be leveraged and applied to any resource – not just tracking technology – can be instrumental in meeting the needs of educators and students alike.

To learn more about navigating your school’s or district’s needs when it comes to tracking library books and school resources, register for this on-demand webinar.

If your district or school is struggling with resource management but is unsure where to start, Follett can help lead the way. Contact us today!

Recent Blog Entries

Spring into the new season with the most sought out titles!

March 25, 2024

Well-known librarian Shannon McClintock Miller has selected 13 elementary titles from Capstone Publishing as must-reads for your readers. Including fiction and nonfiction and a variety of genres, these books focus on interesting topics and subject matter that students want to...
Read more

New books for young readers!

March 25, 2024

Your K-5 students will love the latest installments in several wildly popular, acclaimed series coming out this spring. Check out these highly anticipated titles by powerhouse authors! Shop Now Always AnthonyBy Terri LibensonAvailable: May 7, 2024This eighth book in the New York...
Read more

Unlocking Student Success Through Streamlined Data Infrastructure: A Guide for K-12 Administrators and IT Specialists

March 12, 2024

In the digital age, K-12 educational environments are increasingly reliant on robust digital infrastructures to support and enrich the educational experience. The strategic streamlining of this infrastructure holds significant promise for unlocking student success. By reducing the number of vendors...
Read more

What Can Comics Do? Tapping Into Empathy and Flexibility

March 7, 2024

When I write the word comics, many images and ideas might spring to mind for the reader. Maybe it is first the action figure or bombastic film that occupies a child’s life that you know, or maybe a stack of...
Read more

Maximize Asset Management and Drive Efficiency with Follett Destiny® 21.0: Revolutionizing Educational Resource Management

February 29, 2024

Welcome to Follett Destiny® 21.0! This complete library and resource management system can be accessed from anywhere, 24/7, helping to strengthen the bond between the library, classroom, and home, and we continue to improve the Destiny Suite for today’s students, teachers,...
Read more

Creating a School-Wide Reading Culture

February 22, 2024

Keywords: LiteracyReading cultureCollection developmentReading role modelsLibrary managementEncouraging students to read is easier and more likely to be successful when reading and literacy are firmly embedded into all aspects of school life. The benefits of reading for pleasure are well supported by...
Read more

More Blog Entries