Learning Objective

• Use MobileStaff in Offline Mode.

Using MobileStaff Offline

If your network goes down, Offline enables staff to continue circulation with the following tasks:

• Check out and check in
• Renew by Item
• Mark items as used in-house
• Inventory
• Add users

Offline mode is only available for use in the MobileStaff app on a mobile device. The web version/browser version of MobileStaff does not support the ability to work offline. MobileStaff Offline is your BLUEcloud Offline solution. Other features to note include:

• You can work in MobileStaff Offline mode when you do not have a connection to your server or when there is no internet or Wi-Fi connection available.
• All transactions are recorded locally to the device.
• To access Offline Mode, you must have previously logged in at least once on that device.
• Use, Status, Holds Pull List, and Deselect will be grayed out, as they are not available in Offline Mode.
• Workflows policies are in place while working in MobileStaff Offline Mode.

The following conditions apply to MobileStaff Offline.

• Offline can only check out, check in, or renew items. Other circulation functions must be done when the server is connected.
• Offline must have an Item ID and a User ID or ALT ID (Student ID) to be able to check out.
• Offline cannot search or display information from the WorkFlows database about items or users, since the workstation is temporarily disconnected from the server where all the information is stored.
• The data used by MobileStaff Offline is automatically uploaded and downloaded when the device used next connects to the server.
• When the data is loaded into Workflows, each recorded transaction is performed as if library staff were at a regular workstation. Errors (display in report) result when an activity recorded at an offline workstation would have been blocked or would otherwise fail when completed at a workstation connected to the server.

To work in Offline Mode:

Tap to open the MobileStaff app on your device. Tap Work Offline. The next time you connect in online mode, the system will sync the work done while in offline mode with Workflows and BLUEcloud. 

Select your library staff login. Remember you must have logged in at least once previously before you can use Offline Mode. 

Once logged in you will notice that some circulation options are grayed out in the left side menu. The only functions available for use are Check Out, Check In, Renew by Item, In-house Use, Inventory, Add User, Setup, and Offline.

Offline Check Out

Scan or enter a User ID or Student ID (ALT ID). User Search is grayed out and not an option. User Information is limited to their ID. 

Alerts may display and you can proceed as needed. 

Scan or enter item barcodes to check out to the user. When completed, select Switch User to move to another user's account and begin checking items out to them. 

Offline Check In

Scan or enter Item IDs to check items in. Item information is limited to the Item ID. 

Offline Renew by Item

Scan or enter the Item ID to renew an item. Item Search is not available. You can mark the item as Seen or Unseen by clicking the checkmark. 

Offline In-house Use

Scan or enter an Item ID to mark the item as used in-house. 

Offline Inventory

Scan items into Inventory while offline. After you have performed inventory offline, your offline transactions will need uploaded. This will require you to log in on the same device, connect to an internet connection, and upload the transactions. You will then want to contact your INFOhio Provider and let them know you were using Offline Mode. Once the necessary reports have run, you can continue with the Inventory Steps. The Step 2 Load Scanned Barcodes report is the next step after scanning. 

Offline Add User

If needed, staff can add users and circulate materials. INFOhio recommends having a dumb label available for barcode creation. For more information please see this lesson on Adding and Modifying Users within MobileStaff.

Offline Setup

You can change Setup selections as needed while in Offline Mode.

Uploading Offline Transactions

At the end of your Offline Session, tap Offline to view a summary of the transactions that are pending upload. 

The next time you connect in ONLINE mode, the system will sync the work done while in offline mode with your database.

To upload offline transactions:

• Log in to MobileStaff
• Tap Offline
• Tap Offline Transactions 

An email will be sent to your INFOhio Provider alerting them to your Offline Circulation. The system will require your provider to run reports to sync your transactions. It is a good idea to email them or submit a ticket letting them know you have been working offline.

Please note: Offline data will be lost if the activation key is changed, the institution is changed, or the device is reset to factory settings.