This document provides instructions for library staff on how to use the Sierra Circulation System to perform fundamental job duties like checking out, checking in, and renewing items. Key steps include choosing the appropriate function from the menu, swiping the patron's card, scanning item barcodes, desensitizing/sensitizing items, and closing out patron records. The system allows staff to view a patron's checked out items, renewals, fines and holds. Questions can be directed to other staff.

1. One of your duties will be to circulate books and other
information objects to patrons while you staff the desk. The
circulation desk is the location in each library where you check-
out/in, renew items, ask about missing items, or inquire about
fines. To do this you will use the “Sierra Circulation System.”
The following slides will instruct you on how to perform some
of these more fundamental job duties.
Designed by Tina McPherson 2012

2. To open the Sierra Circulation System
1. Double-click the Sierra Desktop app button located on the computer desktop.
2. A username and password prompt will appear. This is an auto-login - no need to
enter anything - just click “LOGIN.”

3. You will be assigned a personal
Login and Password. Enter those
here and click “OK”.

4. Once you have opened the system you will see this window.

5. To Check Out books:
1. From the pull down, “FUNCTION” menu at right,
choose the “Check Out” option
2. Swipe the patron’s Cougar Card.
3. Scan the barcode of the item/s.
4. Desensitize the item/s (excluding DVDs).
5. Close out of the patron’s record by hitting the
‘close’ button at the upper right of the screen.

6. Swipe the patron’s Cougar Card in the keyboard
and then scan the item barcode.

7. After checking out item, desensitize item (with the EXCEPTION of DVDs) by
placing its spine on, and passing it along, the full length of corner affected
by the gray machines at the service desk. Ensure that the machine is
properly set to desensitize; note: the light beneath the icon showing an item
leaving the library.
*The library employs a theft prevention system that consists of a magnetic strip
on and in materials. This strip can/will trigger an alarm if left sensitized.

8. After checking out all items, close out of the
patron’s record by hitting the ‘close’ button at the
upper right of the screen.
Closing the patron’s record will automatically
generate a receipt listing the items checked out
and their due dates.

9. Review
Check-Out item(s):
1. Choose “Check Out” from the FUNCTION menu at right.
2. Swipe patron’s Cougar Card in the keyboard.
3. Scan item barcode.
4. Desensitize item (excluding DVDs).
5. Remember to close the record when finished.

10. To Check In books:
1. from the pull down, “FUNCTION” menu at right,
choose the “Check-In” option
2. Scan the barcode of each item to be checked in
3. Sensitize items (excluding DVDs)
4. Place books on the wooden Returns Cart behind the
Service Desk

11. Scan the item barcode.

12. Sensitize item (with the EXCEPTION of DVDs) by placing its spine on, and passing it
along, the full length of corner affected by the gray machines at the service desk.
Ensure that the machine is properly set to sensitize; note: the light beneath the icon
showing an item returning to the shelf.
*The library employs a theft prevention system that consists of a
magnetic strip on and in materials. This strip can/will trigger an alarm
when sensitized.

13. Review
Check-In Item(s):
1. Choose “Check-In” from the FUNCTION menu at right.
2. Scan item barcode.
3. Sensitize item (excluding DVDs).
4. Place items on the wooden cart in CALL Number order.

14. 2. Swipe the patron’s card in the keyboard.
1. Choose the “Check Out” option.
To View Patron’s Checked-Out Items:
3. Click the ‘Checked-Out Items’ tab.

15. All checked-out items will be displayed automatically

16. Review
To View Patron’s Checked-Out Items:
1. Choose “Check Out” from the FUNCTION menu at right.
2. Swipe the patron’s Cougar Card in the keyboard.
3. Click the “Checked-Out Items” tab.
(All checked-out items will be displayed automatically.)

17. To Renew Patron’s Checked-Out Items:
2. Scan the patron’s Cougar Card in the keyboard.
1. Choose the “Check Out” option.
3. Click the ‘Checked-Out Items’ tab.

18. 4. Select “All” or individual items
5. Click “Renew”

19. To Renew Items:
1. Choose “Check Out” from the FUNCTION menu at right.
2. Swipe the patron’s Cougar Card in the keyboard.
3. Click the ‘Checked-Out Items’ tab.
4. Select “All” or individual items to renew.
5. Click the “Renew” button.
Review

20. 1. Sierra allows you to check out and check in materials, to see what
materials a patron has checked out and to renew those materials, see
what fines are assessed on their account, to place holds or recalls and to
see what books a patron has placed on hold or recall.
2. When you swipe a patron’s Cougar Card, their record will display with a
partial record showing an expiration date. The expiration is important to
remember. A red date means the patron’s record/privileges have expired.
Unpaid fines will additionally show up in red.
3. Any questions? Just ask staff.