From inventory books to smartphones: library collection inventory at the Centre for scientific information

Konjević, Sofija; Čaja, Lovorka; Žugaj, Martina (2025) From inventory books to smartphones: library collection inventory at the Centre for scientific information. Vjesnik bibliotekara Hrvatske, 68 (1). pp. 345-361. ISSN 0507-1925

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Abstract

Objective. Library collections inventory is a key process for assessing the state and value of the physical collection while also writing off outdated, obsolete, and dam-aged materials. The aim of this paper is to present the development of methods applied during the library book inventory at the Centre for Scientific Information, from tradi-tional inventory systems to modern mobile technologies.Approach/Methodology/Design. Four iterations of the library book collection in-ventories conducted at the Centre for Scientific Information in 2006, 2012, 2018 and 2024 were analysed, highlighting key challenges encountered during their implemen-tation. The audit process was gradually modernised through the implementation of an integrated library system and the application of information technology, and this mod-ernisation process is described.Results. The first library book inventory in 2006 faced technical challenges due to outdated software and the use of manually maintained inventory books, and printed cards for checkouts. The introduction of barcoding in 2012 accelerated the process, while the 2018 inventory was further enhanced by the use of laptops. The latest inven-tory in 2024 has been significantly improved through the use of a mobile application, enabling faster and more efficient data processing.Originality. The paper demonstrates how regular inventory processes can bring order to library operations. It presents four consecutive library collection inventories, providing an overview of the applied methods, challenges encountered, and solutions implemented, along with improvements through the use of modern technology. The ex-perience gained can serve as a guideline for designing inventory processes in libraries preparing to undertake such tasks.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	barcoding; library collection write-off; library inventory; mobile tech-nologies; Ruđer Bošković Institute
Subjects:	SOCIAL SCIENCES > Information and Communication Sciences SOCIAL SCIENCES > Information and Communication Sciences > Library Science
Divisions:	Centre for scientific information
Depositing User:	Sofija Konjević
Date Deposited:	24 Apr 2025 12:12
URI:	http://fulir.irb.hr/id/eprint/9738
DOI:	10.30754/vbh.68.1.1417

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