Custom Reports
Welcome to BiblioTECH's Reports Manager – your gateway to a wealth of information about your library's operations. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the power of the Reports Manager, providing you with the knowledge to harness its potential fully. Whether you're tracking circulation, managing reservations, understanding patron behaviour, analysing resources, or delving into statistics, the Reports Manager is your indispensable tool. Let's get started!
Getting Started
- Log In: Make sure you're logged into your BiblioTECH account.
- Locate the "Reports" button and click on it. This will give you access to the Reports Manager area.
- Select a Tab: The Reports Manager is neatly organised into five tabs, each corresponding to a distinct category of reports:
- Circulation
- Reservations
- Patrons
- Resources
- Statistics
Now, let's dive into the details of each tab and explore how to generate insightful reports that can optimise your library's management.
Circulation Reports: Tracking Material Flow
- Customise Filters: Within the Circulation tab, you'll find an array of filter fields at your disposal. These include Patron, Search, Fields, Date Range, Groups, Levels, Library, Material Type (GMD), and a convenient tick box for 'Get Overdues only.'
- Filtering Options: Utilise these filters to pinpoint the specific data you need. For example, you can search by Patron, enter keywords in the Search field, select Fields to include in your report, set a Date Range, choose Groups, Levels, Library, Material Type (GMD), and even narrow down your focus to 'Get Overdues only' if required.
- Generate Your Report: After configuring your filters, simply click the 'Search' button. Your tailored report will appear on the screen, ready for further examination.
Reservations Reports: Efficient Patron Request Management
- Navigate to Reservations: Click on the "Reservations" tab.
- Customise Filters: Like the Circulation reports, Reservations reports offer a range of filter fields, including Patron, Title, Date Range, Material Type (GMD), and 'Get Held only.'
- Filter with Precision: Use these filters to specify your report's parameters. For example, you can filter by Patron, enter resource titles or keywords in the Title field, set a Date Range, select Material Type (GMD), and opt to focus solely on 'Held' resources using the 'Get Held only' checkbox.
- Generate Your Report: Click 'Search' to generate your customised Reservation report. This will help ensure your library resources are readily available to patrons when needed.
Patron Reports: Understanding Patron Behaviour
- Access the Patrons Tab: Navigate to the "Patrons" tab.
- Customise Filters: Just as in previous reports, Patron reports provide filter fields. These include Patron, Search, Fields, Date Range, Groups, Levels, and the option for 'Patron Loans – Summary (sorted by Count).'
- Tailor Your Report: Customise your report by scanning a patron's barcode or finding them by name in the Patron field. Use the Search field to filter by keywords, select specific Fields for inclusion, set a Date Range, choose Groups, Levels, and, if desired, opt for a summary report using 'Patron Loans – Summary (sorted by Count).'
- Generate Your Report: Click 'Search' to generate your Patron report. These reports offer valuable insights into your patrons' borrowing behaviour.
Resource Reports: Tracking Library Materials
- Navigate to Resources: Click on the "Resources" tab.
- Customise Filters: Resource reports are essential for tracking library materials efficiently. Here's how to create them:
- Filter Resources: Use these filters to refine your Resource report. Filter by Title, select Material Type (GMD), choose Collections, Libraries, set a Date Range, and decide whether to obtain a summary of resource loans with 'Resource Loans - Summary (sorted by Count).'
- Generate Your Report: Click 'Search' to create your Resource report. These reports offer a comprehensive view of your library's materials.
Statistics Reports: Analysing Library Data
- Access the Statistics Tab: Click on the "Statistics" tab.
- Customise Filters: Statistics reports provide a deep dive into your library's performance metrics.
- Fine-Tune Your Report: Customise your Statistics report by selecting Material Type (GMD), specifying Status, choosing a Library, setting a Date Range, and using the radial selector to pick your 'Report Type.'
- Generate Your Report: Click 'Search' to generate your Statistics report. These reports enable you to analyse and optimise your library's performance.
Congratulations! You've learned how to make the most out of BiblioTECH's Reports Manager. Whether you're managing resources, understanding patron behaviour, or delving into statistics, this tool provides you with valuable insights for efficient library management. Thank you for choosing BiblioTECH for your library's needs, and happy reporting!