In any library, big or small, the function of circulation is considered to be one of the most vital areas of
operations, which needs to be controlled and managed efficiently. The primary function any circulation system is to
facilitate access to the library materials and services by the users and to control the information and details pertaining
to such usage.
Manual Circulation System
All the libraries follow the accession number for the unique identification of their controls. The manual
system envisages that at a time of borrowing, the member presents his borrower card and the book/periodical he
wishes borrow at the circulation desk. The circulation staff then stamps due date on the slip on the book and keeps
the book card and the borrower card together.
Circulation is an area where there needs no professional talent but if it is highly labor-intensive and time
consuming. Circulation counter transactions are not evenly distributed throughout the working day. There are some
prime periods when the counter is busy. It varies from one library to another. It is different in public library as
compared with an academic or special library