Holds wrappers, e-Library, reports, and inventory demystified

Some highlights from the presentations:

• Holds pick list made up of routing slips: Jennifer Falkowski and David Paul showed how their Maryland library system streamlined handling of holds with software that prints holds wrappers on sticky-notes labels. Staff use the pages of labels to find onshelf holds, then apply the info-rich labels on items as they are found. Leftover labels have barcodes that can be scanned to mark those items as missing. Once the label is on the item, there's no need for printing transit slips or a holds slip. Result: They cut from printing for holds three times -- pick list, transit slips, holds slip -- to only once, and they cut the process from 12 steps to eight. Check out the presentation slides if you missed the session (Title: Improve Materials Handling Efficiencies By Producing Custom “Pull On-Shelf Hold”). Info is also available from exhibitors J. Huber and Associates and Rasmussen Software.
• e-Library and CSS: The pre-conference on customizing e-Library and a presentation by Jeremy Newville of SirsiDynix provided a much-needed bump in my understanding of these topics. One common mantra: Only do customizations in custom files, so you don't lose your work at the next upgrade. I've only used Firebug but I might give IE Web Developer Tools a try after seeing Jeremy demo it. It seems to be easier to use for someone who's at beginner or intermediate level.
• Standard Reports in SirsiDynix Symphony: This presentation proved that introductory-level session can be valuable to an old pro. Next week, I happen to be scheduled to train a new Tech Services specialist on running weeding lists, and I'll be able to borrow from Lisa Witteman's slides. When you've been immersed in reports for a few years, it can be hard to remember how to dial it back to the basics when training someone new. Thanks, Lisa.
• Inventory: It's complicated. But Matthew Phillips made it look a little easier. He provided an excellent outline of all the steps used in running Symphony reports for inventory, both online and offline. His PowerPoint slides might be a good Cliffs Notes for inventory even if you missed the presentation. One good question involved how to handle floating collections. There didn't seem to be an easy answer. There might be a couple of ways to go. Our library plans an inventory soon, and if we figure out an innovative method for floating collections, who knows... I might just be presenting next year.