Like ordinary folders, circulation folders may contain other objects such as documents and notes. In addition to ordinary folders they have a task list associated: a list of persons (participants) who have to carry out a certain task with the material in the folder, e.g. review a document or fill in a form. The circulation folder is processed by forwarding the folder to the users on the task list one after the other in the order specified.

At any point in time, a circulation folder is only visible / accessible to the person to whom it presently has been forwarded and to the initiator (creator) of the folder, i.e. the initiator can always check the location and status of a circulation folder and may also edit and revise the task list. During circulation, the content of the circulation folder can be modified. In addition, the task list of the folder may be extended. When all tasks have been carried out, the circulation folder is returned to the initiator and the circulation is complete.

How to process a circulation folder

1. The initiator creates an (empty) circulation folder via  File    New    CirculationFolder   (Note: This is only possible in the home folder)

2. The initiator creates the initial content of the circulation folder (documents, notes etc.).

3. The initiator defines the task list by selecting  Circulation   and adding BSCW user names and task descriptions for these users.

4. The initiator starts the circulation via  Forward   .

5. The circulation folder appears in the home folder of the first (next) participant who is then expected to carry out the tasks assigned to him or her with the objects of the circulation folder. In addition, the participant may modify the task list, e.g. delete participants, add new participants or change the circulation order by moving participants up or down the task list.

6. Afterwards, the participant starts the next circulation step with the circulation folder via  Forward   .

7. Steps 5. and 6. are repeated until the task list is exhausted and the circulation folder is returned to the initiator.