Library Log Template | Free Log Templates

A library log template is an official record of all transactions made on a single card during a specific time period. Whereas a library card is generally used to hire books as well as manage books by exchanging them from a library. A library is a place where the readers who borrow books have to return the book later. Modern libraries and institutes have upgraded from manually filled library logs to digital library logs. In a similar way, library cards are now equipped with a barcode, which is a unique code for every cardholder. Whenever someone borrows a book, the librarian swipes the card through a cod-reading scanner and it enters the log book automatically. This simplifies not only the process but also keeps a digital record by using a library log. It is much safer in comparison to the old record books where you have to add every single entry manually. Furthermore, a digital library log can hold the cardholder’s picture to ease up the process of identification.

Content of a Library Log

A library log can be made in a number of different formats depending on the library they are being used in, or the organization issuing the books. Despite the variations, there is a set pattern for a few sections that are essentially part of this log. The most common sections of a library log are as follows:

1. Name of the Library

The name of the library or the institute where the library is located comes from the top section of the library log. It is usually written in bold and prominent font, which distinguishes it from the rest.

2. Name of the Cardholder

The name of the cardholder is important to mention in the log, as it allows library management to keep a check of who borrowed a specific book. Also, this allows the possibility of an outsider to issue a book from the library.

3. Date of Issue

This section usually lies right beneath the name of the library/institution and contains the date of when the library card was issued. Most library cards expire after a certain period of time, or you have to renew your subscription; therefore, it is important to note the issuance date on them.

4. Expiry Date

The section containing the expiry date is also an important part of a library log, and it is usually located right next to the section containing the date of issue. The expiry date reminds the cardholder to re-issue or renew the card right before it expires in case they wish to continue using the services.

5. Serial number of the book

Most books are assigned certain serial numbers when they arrive at the library, and that serial number is kept saved under that title in their records to be used later in audits. That serial number is sometimes mentioned on the library log alongside or sometimes in place of the title of the book.

6. Title of the book

The title of the book should be mentioned on log to make sure it goes on the record that a book has been published by a certain someone for a specific amount of time.

7. Due date

Due date is a section that mentions the date on which the books have to be returned by the borrower back to the library for other readers to borrow. Every library has a return policy for books, and if the reader takes longer than the due time period to return the book, then a fine is charged to the cardholder. To save oneself from a fine, the borrower must follow the due date policy instructions and keep a check of the due date mentioned on the library log.

8. Signature of the librarian

The librarian usually signs at the bottom of the log to validate the issuance as part of the official process of the library.