The circulation desk is the central location in the library and needs to be placed strategically. It should allow visibility of the entire library and be near the entrance and technology connections. Proper placement is important to not disrupt traffic flow. The desk needs supplies like pens, paper, and a phone for daily tasks and helping patrons. It also requires a computer and printer if the library uses an automated checkout system to track materials. Whether automated or not, the system needs to organize patron information like names and barcodes for checking out materials.

2. “The circulation desk is the hub of any
library”.
 The first and most important item to
consider is whether the entire library can
be easily seen from the spot chosen for
the desk.
*Multitasking is a big part of the library
day.

3. * Also keep in mind the location of the
main entrance.
 Second, the checkout desk needs to
have access to any Internet cables and
phone jacks.

4.  Last, the circulation desk needs to be
placed so that it does not interfere with
traffic flow.
* It is best to plan your space out on
paper before starting to move furniture.

5.  Supplies are needed for the operation of
the circulation desk.
Examples:
- pens
- pencils
- sticky notes
- paper
* These are useful for writing down
telephone messages, student and staff
requests and to-do lists.

6. • Pencil holders and letter trays are handy
and can be stored on the circulation
desk if space is not a problem.
• A stapler, scotch tape and book repair
tape in dispensers are helpful.
• A couple of file drawers are useful for
storing things like receipt book, postage
stamps, and other supplies that are
needed all the time.

7. • A telephone is necessary for resolving
computer problems and day-to-day
issues that come up during the school
day.
* Communicating with parents and
other patrons.
• A chair or stool will allow the staff to sit
while taking care of patrons.

8. • A computer and printer sit on the
circulation desk if the library is
automated.

9.  Most libraries either have an automated
checkout system or the old-card-in-
pocket method.
 At schools that are not automated, the
library staff will need to use cards with a
pocket for each library book.
* The pocket can be placed in the front
of the book or in the back.

10. * Book pockets come with self-adhesive
backs, so you can just pull the tabs and
stick the pocket on the inside of the
library book.
* Stamp the front of the card with your
school name.
* The book title, author, and call number
will need to be typed

11.  With an automated system, each patron
has a barcode.
* The patron barcodes can be organized
either with an individual library card or
with list of barcodes for each class.
* Patrons with individual card should
have names and barcodes for each
card.

12. * When the class enters to choose new
library books, the cards for that class van
be spread out on the table so that
students can locate their name after
making their book selection.
* The cards are collected after each visit
and placed in a drawer under the
teacher’s name.

13. * If the library uses the list method, the
patron name and the barcode are on a
class list.
* The list is placed in a notebook and
kept on the circulation desk for easy
access.
*The computer system does all the work
in keeping track of what goes out each
day.