Library Books 'Claimed Returned' - Find a freedom of information request

1. Can you tell me how many books over the last 12 months have been classified as not returned by the library computer system, but the borrower said they were returned?

    

2. How many of those books were then found in the library system?

In accordance with Section 1(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, you are advised that Lincolnshire County Council does hold information that falls within the description specified in your request.

1. In the last 12 months 817 items have been marked on the Library Management System (LMS) as ‘Claimed Return’. This status is used when an items has not been recorded as returned on the (LMS) but the borrower states that it has been. In these circumstances, after checking the relevant shelves at site (usually with the borrower), if the item is not found staff will change the items status to ‘Claimed Return’ so that it is put into stasis and no more overdue charges accrue. Staff ask the borrower to have another search at home and they will also search all library shelves to check it is not at site.

2. In the last 12 months 605 ‘Claimed Return’ items have been subsequently returned on the Library Management System. The LMS does not state whether the items were found at home by the borrower or by staff in the library – experience though is that for a large proportion of cases the items are found at home by the borrower and returned by them.