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Inventory modes in circulation

Miss Honey is about to perform inventory using Circulation, but she isn’t sure what the different modes are used for. Let’s review the inventory modes, and the Circulation inventory process.

Each time an item is circulated or entered using one of the Inventory modes listed below, the Inventory Date of that copy is updated with the current date. Once the entire collection (or specific range) has been processed using one of the inventory modes, you may perform inventory reports and utilities. The reports will show which copies have an Inventory Date within a particular date range and which copies do not. Many operators use the Inventory Bookdrop (IB) or Inventory Bookdrop Suppressed (IBS) mode.

  • Inventory Bookdrop (IB). Along with updating the copy’s Inventory Date, copies scanned in this mode are also bookdropped. When performing a complete inventory of items that are still on the shelf, it is a good idea to use Inventory Bookdrop (IB) mode so that copies checked out to teachers, students, or a System Patron (such as the Lost Copies System Patron) will be checked in and shown as Available again.
    • To start Inventory Bookdrop (IB) mode, type “IB” in the command line followed by enter.
  • Inventory Bookdrop Suppressed (IBS). This mode behaves the same as Inventory Bookdrop, but will suppress all dialog windows, e.g. Lost Item, Overdue Charge, Unknown Barcode, and simply process the window. Choose this mode if you are using a wireless scanner and will be away from your Circulation screen.
    • Any Exceptions that occurred during the inventory session can be viewed in an Exceptions Report.
    • To start Inventory Bookdrop Suppressed (IBS) mode, type “IBS” in the command line followed by enter.
  • Inventory (I) and Inventory Suppressed (IS). If an item (or items) need to remain checked out to a patron, such as a classroom set for a teacher, or if you are inventorying the On-Hold area of your library, then using the Inventory (I) or Inventory Suppressed (IS) mode is appropriate.
    • All materials that are scanned or typed when in these modes will be recorded as inventoried but will remain checked out.
    • To enter Inventory (I) mode, type “I” and then press enter in the command line. Once in this mode, barcodes can be scanned (or typed) to record them as inventoried on the current (or specified) date.
    • To start Inventory Suppressed (IS) mode, type “IS” in the command line followed by enter. This will suppress all dialogs (fines, holds, etc), so after you are finished, you’ll want to review exceptions carefully.

For the full process, take a look at our Support Center page.

Not performing inventory through Circulation? Check out:


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May 12th, 2026 at 11:00am Mountain Time

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Have questions? Reach out to our stellar support team at (800) 347-4942 · support@companioncorp.com for help!
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