FAQ

Do I have to create the report from scratch every time?

Not at all. Any time you customize a report to perform a specific search, you can always click Create Saved Report to save your changes and make it easier to find in the future.

How can I find the right report quickly?

When it comes to finding reports in Alexandria most are clearly labeled, but you will want to get into the proper category (list on the left) to give you a smaller list to view. Though, to really find something quickly, we recommend using the search.

How do I see my report after I run it?

After you select Run, click the wrench icon in the upper right corner of your screen. NEW go to Operations in the sidenav, or use the message drawer from your topnav. Once your report is complete, you will see your report ready to Email (letter icon), View (info icon), or Download (PDF document icon).

What types of reports can I run in Alexandria?

Alexandria has a wide range of reports to both assist in getting the proper information to those that need it such as Overdue Lists and Notices, Patron and Item Details, Charges and Fines, Item Barcode Labels, Patron Library Cards, and other such things for the day to day running of a library.

See the Complete Reports List for more information.

How do I get a file to import my patrons?

Start by exporting the necessary data from your student information system (SIS) in a tab-delimited text format. This file can be imported into Alexandria Librarian to add new patron records and update any existing patron records simultaneously.

How do I import patrons or items through FTP?

You’ll need to create a saved import. Go to the import you want and click Create Saved Import at the bottom of the window. Then you’ll need to enter a name and fill out the Settings tab with your preferences. Lastly, go to the File Source tab and select FTP or FTPS from the Protocol dropdown. Enter your FTP/FTPS server’s information.

If you don’t have your own server, COMPanion offers secure and private folders on our FTP server! If you do have your own server, make sure that it’s using up-to-date technology.

Want to check if it works? Click Test FTP Connection. From there, you can run the import whenever necessary.

Where do I find the results of a utility or import after it’s finished?

Go to Operations Management from your sidenav, or by clicking on the operation (wrench) icon at the top, and click on the blue “i” icon.

I need to import a MARC file from a vendor; how should I set the default settings?

When importing files from a vendor, the correct default settings will already be set, and you can simply select “Run.” If you have a custom import or specific needs when updating your titles or copies, we recommend calling Customer Support for assistance.

Learn more in our Import New Books scenario.

Do I need to modify my session start date?

Usually this is not necessary. The session start date is set when you scan your first item. You’ll only want to adjust the start date if you scanned an item elsewhere or in the wrong session, to ensure all your items are counted correctly in this session. For that reason we recommend waiting to complete sessions until you are finished with your whole inventory.

What if I am inventorying with transaction scripts for some of my items? Can I still use Inventory Management?

Yes you can! Inventory Management sessions will allow you to run reports on anything that has been inventoried in that session range. Exceptions will only show for items scanned in the inventory window, however, you can see exceptions for your transaction script when you import it > Operations > download the summary file.