Inventory Tool

MnPALS Inventory Tool

MnPALS Inventory Tool

The MnPALS Inventory Tool reviews a range of physical item barcodes and returns a report providing information about the item's status and location.  Hosted at  https://inventory.mnpals.net ; the tool currently supports the following classification schemes: LC and Dewey. 

Steps for Use:

  1. Create an excel file of scanned barcodes from a set range
    1.  Supported file format is: .xlsx
      1. Barcodes should be in first column with a header of barcode or barcodes
      2. Save file with identifying specifics, make sure to save without any spaces in name
      3. Files should be limited to no more than 5000 barcodes or items at a time.
  2. Navigate to https://inventory.mnpals.net/
  3. Click on the library dropdown and select your institution
  4. Use the barcode xlsx file's choose file to choose and upload the file for the report
  5. Set the report parameters
    1. Call number Type
      1. LC/Dewey supported
    2. Library
    3. Scan Location
      1. Physical location for materials scanned
    4. Item Type
      1. Primary item type for scanned location
    5. Policy Type
      1. Primary item type for scanned location
  6. Select the applicable only report types
    1. Only report call number order problems?
      1. Flags items with call number out of order only - does not report missing items
    2. Only report problems other than call numbers?
      1. Flags items with problems such as missing or lost
    3. Report only Problems
      1. Only displays items with problems
    4. Clear cache
      1. Allows you to ensure you retrieve the most recent data from Alma, if reprocessing barcodes, you can use the metadata (cached within the last 24 hrs) for a faster report. 
  7. Click on Submit Query
  8. Review the table summary for error messages and CN order
    2. Problem: The tool lists any problems that it found with the items.
    3. IN TEMP LOC: The item is listed in Alma in a temporary location.
    4. WRONG LIBRARY: The item is listed in Alma under a different library.
    5. WRONG LOCATION: The item is listed in Alma under a different location.
    6. WRONG TYPE: The item has a different item type in Alma.
    7. WRONG ITEM POLICY: The item has a different item policy in Alma.
    8. NIP: MISSING: The item is listed in Alma as missing.
    9. NIP: LOST_LOAN: The item is listed in Alma as lost.
    10. OUT OF ORDER: The item is in the wrong order, based on call number. The tool provides instructions on how to move the item.
  9. Download the report
    1. Saves results as a .csv file as the displayed file name
  10. Click on Upload to run subsequent reports.
To verify errors, please use  Alma's  Shelf Report.



    • Related Articles

    • MnPALS Interlibrary Loan Policy Revised in 2024

      The MnPALS Interlibrary Loan Policy was revised and approved in 2024. This is a link to the policy 2024-10-08 Policy and Procedure Statement on Interlibrary Loan by MnPALS Libraries (1)

    • Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Resources

      Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Resources General Information MnPALS libraries use Alma interlibrary loan to exchange requests. MnPALS libraries with USPS/UPS delivery request and fill requests for Minitex. Minitex requests from other libraries for USPS/UPS ...

    • Close your library for borrowing and lending requests

      How to close your library for borrowing and lending requests Alma has functionality to allow a library to be closed for borrowing, lending, or both borrowing and lending. The staff login must have a “User Role” of “General Systems Administrator” to ...

    • Finding walk in patrons

      Finding Walk-in patrons Step by Step: Navigate to Manage Patron Services Click the checkbox to Find user in other institution Select walk-in's home Institution Scan or input unique identifier This is the patron's barcode or another local identifiers ...

    • Rota and Rota Assignment Rule

      What is a rota A rota is a list of potential libraries that are searched to determine if a title is owned and available at that library. A rota should take into account how the request will be delivered. MnPALS libraries with courier delivery for ...