Subject Guides
UDC Student Assistant Guide: Circulation functions
tabs and functions
Alma Ex Libres is the cloud-based system platform used by Binghamton University Libraries to manage circulation tasks. As it serves a variety of functions in the libraries, there are numerous types of access, which enable different functions.
Access to Aleph is granted on an individual level to library staff and faculty depending on respective role and responsibilities. "Basic access" is granted to all student workers (both graduate as well as undergraduate). Basic access denotes the core functions of Aleph, which include usage of checking-out, checking-in, and search functions. These functions correspond to the F5, F6 and F9 tabs, respectively. Additional functions are included with supervisor access enabling the ability to manage holds and access patron account information. These functions correspond to the F7 and F8 tabs, respectively.
The UDC undergraduate student assistant (fitted with the taller chair) computer grants “basic access" status, which includes usage of checking-out, checking-in, and search functions.
username: down1
password: puffin1
The supervisor (lower desk) computer grants "administrator-status" access.This status unlocks the patron and item tabs (F7 and F8, respectively), which allows the user to place holds on items and check patrons’ account.
username: down2
password: gander2
Patron’s identification is entered into Aleph by scanning the patron’s BU ID barcode on the back of the patron’s BU ID card into Aleph’sPB.
Libraries item’s identification is entered into Aleph by scanning the item’s barcode into Aleph’s IB. The barcode may be located on the item’s front cover, or in the first pages (if the item is a book).
How do I: Check an item out:
F5
Click on the PB
Scan the patron’s BU ID barcode
Click on IB
Scan the item’s barcode
Desensitize the item, when relevant. Some items do not need to be desensitized, like headphones or items labeled for “In-library Use Only”.
How do I: Renew item’s due date:
F5
Click on the PB
Scan the patron’s BU ID barcode
Click on IB
Scan the item’s barcode
How do I: Check an item in:
F6
Click on IB
Scan the item’s barcode
Sensitize the item, when relevant.
Place the item in designated place for reshelving or routing to appropriate branch location. All regular UDC collection items are placed in the red truck, past the entrance to the staff office, for reshelving.
How do I: Check a patron’s loans:
F7
Click on PB
Scan the patron’s BU ID barcode
Click on “Loans” in the Menu (yellow) tab
All items Aleph recognizes as loaned to the patron should be on display in Aleph’s Information window
How do I: Check an Item’s status:
F8
Scan Item’s barcode into IB
Item’s status will be displayed in Aleph’s lower Information window, under “Item Status” and “Item Process Status”
How do I: Find an Item in the Libraries system?
F9
Click on the “Browse” option on the (purple) menu tab
Select search criteria
Input relevant search text
Click on “Go”
Once the item is found in the lower main window, double click to open the item in Aleph’s F8 Item tab
