Chapter 10: Smart Library & Barcode Circulation
This chapter explains how the librarian manages the digital book catalog, executes book issue and return transactions using barcode scanners, tracks overdue books, and calculates late fines.
1. Book Catalog Master
Navigate to School Operations → Library → Book Catalog (index.php?page=library_books).
Adding New Books to the Catalog:
- Click + Add New Book.
- Enter the book metadata:
- Book Title, Author, Publisher, Edition / Year.
- ISBN Number and Accession Number.
- Category / Genre: Textbook, Reference, Fiction, Science, History, Periodicals.
- Almirah / Rack / Shelf Location (e.g. Rack 4 - Shelf B).
- Total Copies in Stock and Purchase Price.
- Barcode / QR Code: Auto-generated by system or scanned from pre-printed stickers.
- Click Save Book.
2. Book Circulation Desk (Issue & Return POS)
Navigate to School Operations → Library → Issue / Return (index.php?page=library_transactions).
Issuing a Book to a Student or Faculty Member:
- Scan or type the Student ID / Member Barcode (e.g.
STU-2026-0042). - The student's borrowing history and current active books load immediately.
- System enforces borrow limits (e.g. Max 3 books for students, 7 books for teachers).
- Scan or enter the Book Barcode / Accession No.
- System sets the Due Date (defaults to 14 days for students, configurable).
- Click Confirm Issue. A loan transaction is recorded instantly.
Returning a Book:
- Scan the Book Barcode.
- The system checks the loan record:
- If returned on or before the due date: Status marked as Returned (On-Time).
- If overdue: System calculates the late fine automatically (e.g. ₹5 per day overdue).
- The librarian can collect the fine, add it to the student's fee ledger, or click Waive Fine.
- Click Complete Return. The book is immediately returned to available shelf inventory.
3. Overdue Reports & Lost Book Replacement
- Overdue Books Report:
- Filter by class, student, or days overdue.
- Send automated reminder notices to students and class teachers.
- Lost / Damaged Book Processing:
- Mark book as Lost or Damaged.
- System automatically calculates replacement cost and generates an invoice charge for the student.