OK — so here’s how we did it:

Go to the Library — it’s over in the left-hand navigation column, close to the bottom of the list.

Once the library opens, you go to the bottom right corner and INSERT the resource. Once you select INSERT, a data entry box opens up. It will ask for:

Category
Title
Call Number
Author
Subject

We use all but the last field for CDs, all but the last two for recreation equipment. This is what a couple of our entries look like:

CDs:
Category — Music
Title — CD Kutless – To Know That You’re Alive
Call Number — CD216
Author — Kutless
Subject

Recreation Equipment:
Category — Recreation Equipment
Title — Air Hockey Basket
Call Number — 009
Author
Subject

In the Air Hockey Basket you find 2 paddles and a puck. We used to do Ping-Pong Basket, but now the paddles just sit at the table, we have a coin-operated ball dispenser (it cut WAY down on smashed balls — AMAZING how much better the kids treat them when they cost 25 cents!)

We did the CD111 call number to keep CDs together in the database, you can sort by Title, Call Number, Category, Author, Subject. I like to sort by Call Number because we enter the call number to look up the item (because we mark the call number with permanent marker on the CD case AND the CD).

Now — once the Library is set up, you use the CHECK OUT and CHECK IN buttons in the bottom-left corner.

First — highlight the item being checked out (I type the Call Number in the SEARCH Bar at the upper-left corner of the workspace and hit TAB, the desired item should then highlight )

Click CHECK OUT — It will open a data entry window asking for a Name, Check Out Date and Due Date — It defaults to the current date, you decide the due date. All you really have to do is look up the student name — click the magnifying glass, I usually enter the first three initials of the last name and press TAB — it should bring up your student (or at least get you CLOSER to their name in the database) — highlight the name you want

Click SELECT

Click OK — You’re done!

To check it back in, click on the desired item (or search for it), it will highlight it

Click the CHECK IN button — a dialogue box opens and asks if you would like to check this item in — you click YES and you’re done!

I really hope this makes sense and helps you out!

What a great idea! I want to do the same thing with our resources as well. Do you mind giving me some more specifics? What area of NSpire did you enter the resources? How did you assign a resource to a student once they checked it out? More info would be great!

Thanks!