A long time ago I checked in issues manually in what's called a Kardex
system.  I wrote call numbers on the issues and stamped them with a date
stamper. I don't know if Kardex units can be obtained any more, but you
could replace it with a spreadsheet interface (like Microsoft Excel) for the
check in function and either enter your data manually or enter by using a
bar code reader.

If you're interested in some more information, feel free to contact me off
list.

Sheila M. Hufeld
Senior Library Specialist
Milner Library
Illinois State University

Smhufel@ilstu.edu

-----Original Message-----
From: SERIALST: Serials in Libraries Discussion Forum
[mailto:SERIALST@list.uvm.edu] On Behalf Of Lisa Pate
Sent: Monday, April 25, 2011 8:16 PM
To: SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [SERIALST] Check in/maintain/catalog serials

Hello everyone,

I have just started a serials manager position in a small
academic library that currently does not use the ILS to
check in serials.  We are currently using a series of
cards for each periodical/newspaper.  As such, these
serials are not cataloged similarly to the rest of our
holdings.  I am wondering:  (1) What methods other small
libraries use to keep track of serials?  (2) Is there a
better, automated method of keeping track of these serials
outside the ILS?  (3) Any suggestions as to getting our
serials collection into a simpler, electronic system?

Thank you,
Lisa Pate
Library Information Specialist II
UNM Valencia Campus Library
505-925-8992