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Save time through constant data

The constant data feature of WorldCat Resource Sharing is an invaluable timesaving tool for both borrowers and lenders. With it, a library can create up to 1,000 data records that can be used to simplify and streamline data entry on interlibrary loan requests and workforms.

Constant data records for borrowers

A library can create constant data records to fit any routine borrowing situation. Some examples:

Situation Suggestion
You regularly borrow photocopies as well as material that must be returned. Create one constant data record for loans and another for copies.
You request some photocopies be faxed to you, but that most be mailed. Create one constant data record for faxcopy requests and another for mailcopy requests.
A patron requests multiple items. Create a temporary constant data record to transfer data specific to that patron into each of the workforms.
You handle all ILL transactions at your main library, but want lenders to ship materials directly to branches when appropriate. Create constant data records with a different :SHIP TO: address for each branch.
Some faculty members are regular ILL customers. Create a constant data record for each high-volume customer.
You have established policies for the amount you will pay for each type of ILL material. Create a constant data record for each type of material with its appropriate :MAXCOST:.
You have established policies for using ILL Fee Management. Create constant data records with IFM values in :MAXCOST:.

Constant data records for lenders

Libraries that lend via ILL can create a constant data record to fit any routine lending situation. Some examples:

Situation Suggestion
You regularly loan photocopies as well as material that must be returned. Create one constant data record for loans and one for copies.
You handle all ILL transactions at your main library, but want borrowers to return materials directly to branches when appropriate. Create constant data records reflecting a different :RETURN TO: address for each branch.
You have established policies for the amount you charge for each type of ILL material. Create a single constant data record for each type of material reflecting the appropriate :LENDING CHARGES:.
You lend to members of your consortium free of charge, but charge other borrowers a fee. Create one constant data record for a freeloan and one for a payloan.
You have established policies for the method of payment for loans and copies.

Create constant data records for various ILL Fee Management charges and separate records for invoiced charges, for example, 10IFM or 10INV.