Howard County- per Library Media Handbook 

Steps to Follow when Receiving Materials

1. Unpack and count the items in each carton. Check the count against the packing slip. If books come directly from Baker & Taylor books, Perma-Bound books or Scholastic Library Publishing, do NOT shelve or circulate any of the items until you hear from Media Technical Services via email that the titles have been merged. 

2. If there is a discrepancy, re-count the items; resolve the discrepancy or note the problem on the packing slip.

3. Complete the "Received and Checked by" and "Date received" portions of each packing slip. 

4. Send one copy of each packing slip to Media Technical Services. 

5. *Copy the bar code number in a second location on the item, where it can be easily found.

6. Stamp each item, including guides, envelopes, worksheets, card pocket, and box, with the library media center stamp. 

7. If the item is computer software, file the back-up copy of the disk (if there is one) in a back-up file. 

8. *Record the new items on a record sheet of additions and withdrawals.

9. Tape bar code labels with heavy-duty book tape or label protectors. 

10. Maintaining a shelf list file is optional; if shelf list cards are used by the school, remove the shelf list card from the book pocket and file.

11. Check to be sure that the circulation system reads every bar code.

12. If an item is not in the circulation system, follow the instructions found in "Problems with Materials".

Periodicals
A record should be kept of periodicals as they arrive. The library media specialist may create this record or periodical record forms can be ordered from a library supply company. This record can be used to indicate the regularity of subscriptions. The school name should be stamped on each magazine, and the latest editions may be paced in display binders. If periodicals are to be circulated, they may be entered on-the-fly into the circulation database. (See instructions above.) Single item barcodes for on-the-fly circulation should be purchased from The Library Corporation.