Each item must also be assigned an item type. The item type assigned to each item determines certain characteristics, such as how the item circulates to different users, its fine, and maximum fine. The item type also identifies the item as a member of a specific material type.

In addition, each item must have a home location and a current location. The home location is the item's permanent location - where the item is supposed to be when not circulating. The current location shows where the item is as the result of circulation activity. Unicorn updates the current location when items are checked out, checked in, put on hold or put in transit.

Optional item statistical fields are used to categorize items in the item record. We are using these to note reading level and material type. Other fields indicate circulation permission and price. Unicorn maintains other item fields including:

Date the item was created
ID of the user who last charged out the item
Date the item last circulated
Item's associated title and a call number

For each item, Unicorn tracks the date last charged, the last user's ID and the total number of charges. Unicorn also keeps track of the item's holds, unpaid bills and date of last discharge.

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