Stock verification systematically checks the Library holdings to find the missing items.
Method of stock verification are:
(i) Accession Number Approach: The staff checks the books on shelves based on the accession number.
Here, stock verification is conducted by
(a) accession register,
(b) using separate registers with accession numbers, and
(c) preparing separate sheets which contain accession numbers consecutively.
(ii) Call number approach: In this approach, books are checked based on the shelf list. Libraries maintain shelf lists according to Call Number, based on which the books are also shelved. This method is easier and less timeconsuming.
(iii) Information and Communication technology approach: In this approach, extensive help of technology is taken depending upon the automation level and the technology a particular library uses. If a library uses barcode technology for operational purposes, then with the help of a data collection unit (e.g., bar code reader), data is collected and put into the library automation software. This way, the accession number is collected and directly compared with the original data downloaded from the library automation software.
