Using an Interactive Excel Spreadsheet and Alma Analytics for Inventory
Session Abstract
Inspired by a Developer Network inventory application, a VBA-based Excel workbook was developed for physical item inventory. Although it is not a real-time application, the exported inventory data from Alma Analytics can be updated daily. The interface can record title/call number discrepancies between a physical item and Alma record data, display color-coded item status problems and provide basic alerts, such as an item that has already been inventoried. The data stored from each inventoried item documents any errors and can be used to update an item record inventory date using a separate batch process. The number of active item records (80k) for Hunt Library allows the use of a USB flash drive in conjunction with a laptop for convenient access to materials in the stacks.
Learning Outcome #1
Provide an example of Excel capabilities as an interactive inventory interface.
Learning Outcome #2
Illustrate a workflow for inventory and resulting data correction.
Track
Practical Applications
Applicable Ex Libris Product
Alma
Target Audience Skill Level
Intermediate