be registered. One gets the membership card after cash payment of the fee. The membership card has a bar
code on it representing the membership number.
If one wants to borrow a book, one has to take (a copy of) the book from the shelves and take it to the
out-desk. Tim or Kevin will then scan the bar code on the membership card, as well as the bar code on the
book. These data are automatically entered into the library information system (LIS). The book is now
considered to be lent to the member. No more than 5 books may be lent simultaneously to the same
member.
When one returns a book, one goes to the in-desk and hands the book to Louise. She scans the book
code, which is automatically entered into LIS. On the screen of her computer, she sees whether the loan
period is exceeded or not. If it is, she also sees the fine that has to be paid. The person who returns the book
has to pay the fine right away and in cash. After payment, Louise marks the book in her computer as
returned. If the loan period is not exceeded, she only enters that the book has been returned. Returned
books are piled on a table next to Louise. About every hour Lisa collects the pile and puts the books back
on the shelves
Every month, the librarian (Maria) decides which titles should be added and how many copies per title
have to be ordered. She does so on the basis of the announcements of new books she knows of (by means
of flyers of publishers but also by surfing on the web).
At the start of a new calendar year, Lisa sends out invoices to all current members for the annual
membership fee. Fees have to be paid in cash at the branch office. If applicable, she also sends renewal
requests for the reduced fee to the library boards.