Library users do not directly check out materials. Rather, they submit requests that are stored in a queue in the Corporate Media Library (CML) database, FmLib. However quickly these requests may be addressed to get materials into the hands of users, the enqueueing of requests is a step that cannot be skipped.
After being enqueued, requests are not handled automatically by the software. They are viewed by human administrators who check for the physical presence of requested items on the library's shelves. When a requested item is found to be in stock, the administrator arranges for the delivery of the item and then, using the CML application, checks the item out to the requester. At this point, the checkout request is removed from the database, or "dequeued." Library users can use the CML application to cancel pending requests until the requests are dequeued.
Note To avoid collisions between those checking out library items from their offices and administrators checking out those same items from the library desk, a checkout request — even the first one for an item — does not automatically check the item out. This request (as with all requests) is placed in the queue. The item can then be checked out by an administrator.