Public libraries sharing an ILS with academic libraries / using an academic-oriented ILS

It is crucial to be aware that, for valid reasons, the definition of circulation counts is different for public library and academic library surveys.  When using a canned report on circulation from the ILS vendor, be sure you know exactly what is being counted and be sure to insist on having a report that will accurately report public library circulation according to federal definition. 

The public library definition is:

The total annual circulation of all library materials of all types, including renewals. Include interlibrary library loans received from other libraries and checked out to your users. Do not include books loaned to other libraries on interlibrary loan, or interbranch loans. Do not count in-house circulation. Report adult’s and children's materials circulation separately if your local circulation procedures differentiate the two. If your local procedures do not differentiate, mark "n.c." on the lines for adult and children's circulation, and report the total circulation on the line for "Circulation not separated into adult’s or children's materials."

The academic library definition is:

General circulation transactions - Report the number of items lent from the general collection. Include both initial transactions and renewals. 

Note that this does not include interlibrary loans borrowed from another library and checked out to the academic library patron.  Another difference is that in- house reserve material circulation is tracked.