Handy Library Manager, tutorial: custom views, topics

Custom Views and Stats for Library Data Analysis: Empowering Small Libraries

Our library system is designed specifically for small libraries that want to manage daily operations efficiently, including maintaining the library collection, tracking borrowers, and processing check-outs and check-ins. While advanced data analysis is typically associated with complex, enterprise-level systems, we believe that small libraries should also have access to powerful insights about their collections and activities.

That's why we offer a range of easy-to-use, predefined custom views that let you quickly analyze your library data. These ready-made queries answer common questions about your library's collection and usage patterns-no technical expertise required. Whether you want to understand circulation trends or keep tabs on overdue items, our custom views make it simple.

The Custom View function lets you customize how you display and analyze your library data. It is an advanced feature that requires some knowledge of the Firebird SQL query language. If you have valid support, we can help you create custom views. This feature allows you to take full advantage of SQL. It was introduced in version 2.4.

Some examples of questions our predefined views can answer include:

In the Library Administrator window click Custom Views.

In the Library Administrator window click Statistics.

Question:
I just installed the trial version of Handy Library Manager. It seems to have all the features we are looking for, except a way to track how often a particular item has been checked out. For example, we would like to be able to identify which items are checked out more than once a year, and which items are never checked out. Is this feature available? If so, where? If not, is it something you are working on?

Answer:
Usage Tracking:
- How many times have library items been checked out?
- How can I display a list of items that have never been loaned out?
- How can I view the number of checkout transactions per month?
- How many times have library patrons borrowed items, grouped by each patron?
We offer support with SQL queries.