Circulation - Patron Record --------------------------- [[searching_patrons]] Searching Patrons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ indexterm:[patrons, searching for] To search for a patron, select _Search -> Search for Patrons_ from the menu bar. The Patron Search screen will display. It will contain options to search on the following fields: * Last Name * First Name * Middle Name image::media/circulation_patron_records-1a_web_client.png[circulation_patron_records 1a] Next to the _Clear Form_ button there is a button with an arrow pointing down that will display the following additional search fields: * Barcode * Alias * Username * Email * Identification * database ID * Phone * Street 1 * Street 2 * City * State * Postal Code * Profile Group * Home Library You patrons searches may also include patrons marked ``inactive'' if you click on the _Include Inactive?_ checkbox. image::media/circulation_patron_records-1b_web_client.png[circulation_patron_records 1b] .Tips for searching [TIP] =================== * Search one field or combine fields for more precise results. * Truncate search terms for more search results. * Search ignores punctuation such as diacritics, apostrophes, hyphens and commas. =================== Once you have located the desired patron, click on the entry row for this patron in the results screen. A summary for this patron will display on the left hand side. image::media/circulation_patron_records-2_web_client.png[circulation_patron_records 2] The _Patron Search_ button on the upper right may be used to resume searching for patrons. Registering New Patrons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ indexterm:[patrons, registering] To register a new patron, select _Circulation -> Register Patron_ from the menu bar. The Patron Registration form will display. image::media/circulation_patron_records-4.png[Patron registration form] Mandatory fields display in yellow. image::media/circulation_patron_records-5.png[circulation_patron_records 5] The _Show Only Required Fields_ and _Show Suggested Fields_ may be used to limit the options on this page. image::media/circulation_patron_records-6.png[circulation_patron_records 6] When one of these options is selected, it is possible switch to the other limited view or to revert to the original view by selecting _Show All Fields_. image::media/circulation_patron_records-7.png[circulation_patron_records 7] When finished entering the necessary information, select _Save_ to save the new patron record or _Save & Clone_ to register a patron with the same address. When _Save & Clone_ is selected, the address information is copied into the resulting patron registration screen. It is linked to the original patron. Address information may only be edited through the original record. image::media/circulation_patron_records-8.png[circulation_patron_records 8] [TIP] ============================================================================ * Requested fields may be configured in the _Library Settings Editor_ (_Admin -> Local Admin -> Library Settings Editor_). * Statistical categories may be created for information tracked by your library that is not in the default patron record. * These may be configured in the _Statistical Categories Editor_ (_Admin -> Local Admin -> Statistical Categories Editor_). * Staff accounts may also function as patron accounts. * You must select a _Main (Profile) Permission Group_ before the _Update Expire Date_ button will work, since the permission group determines the expiration date. ============================================================================ Patron Self-Registration ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *Abstract* Patron Self-Registration allows patrons to initiate registration for a library account through the OPAC. Patrons can fill out a web-based form with basic information that will be stored as a “pending patron” in Evergreen. Library staff can review pending patrons in the staff-client and use the pre-loaded account information to create a full patron account. Pending patron accounts that are not approved within a configurable amount of time will be automatically deleted. *Patron Self-Registration* . In the OPAC, click on the link to *Request Library Card* . Fill out the self-registration form to request a library card, and click *Submit Registration*. . Patrons will see a confirmation message: “Registration successful! Please see library staff to complete your registration.” image::media/patron_self_registration2.jpg[Patron Self-Registration form] *Managing Pending Patrons* . In the staff client select *Circulation* -> *Pending Patrons*. . Select the patron you would like to review. In this screen you have the option to *Load* the pending patron information to create a permanent library account. . To create a permanent library account for the patron, click on the patron’s row, click on the *Load Patron* button at the top of the screen. This will load the patron self-registration information into the main *Patron Registration* form. . Fill in the necessary patron information for your library, and click *Save* to create the permanent patron account. [[updating_patron_information]] Updating Patron Information ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ indexterm:[patrons, updating] Retrieve the patron record as described in the section <>. Click on _Edit_ from the options that display at the top of the patron record. image::media/circulation_patron_records-9_web_client.png[Patron edit with summary display] Edit information as required. When finished, select _Save_. After selecting _Save_, the page will refresh. The edited information will be reflected in the patron summary pane. [TIP] ======= * To quickly renew an expired patron, click the _Update Expire Date_ button. You will need a _Main (Profile) Permission Group_ selected for this to work, since the permission group determines the expiration date. ======= Renewing Library Cards ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ indexterm:[library cards, renewing] Expired patron accounts when initially retrieved – an alert stating that the ``Patron account is EXPIRED.'' image::media/circulation_patron_records-11_web_client.png[circulation_patron_records 11] Open the patron record in edit mode as described in the section <>. Navigate to the information field labeled _Privilege Expiration Date_. Enter a new date in this box. When you place your cursor in the _Patron Expiration Date box_, a calendar widget will display to help you easily navigate to the desired date. image::media/circulation_patron_records-12.png[circulation_patron_records 12] Select the date using the calendar widget or key the date in manually. Click the _Save_ button. The screen will refresh and the ``expired'' alerts on the account will be removed. Lost Library Cards ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ indexterm:[library cards, replacing] Retrieve the patron record as described in the section <>. Open the patron record in edit mode as described in the section <>. Next to the _Barcode_ field, select the _Replace Barcode_ button. image::media/circulation_patron_records-13.png[circulation_patron_records 13] This will clear the barcode field. Enter a new barcode and _Save_ the record. The screen will refresh and the new barcode will display in the patron summary pane. If a patron’s barcode is mistakenly replaced, the old barcode may be reinstated. Retrieve the patron record as described in the section <>. Open the patron record in edit mode as described in the section <>. Select the _See All_ button next to the _Replace Barcode_ button. This will display the current and past barcodes associated with this account. image::media/circulation_patron_records-14.png[circulation_patron_records 14] Check the box(es) for all barcodes that should be ``active'' for the patron. An ``active'' barcode may be used for circulation transactions. A patron may have more than one ``active'' barcode. Only one barcode may be designated ``primary.'' The ``primary'' barcode displays in the patron’s summary information in the _Library Card_ field. Once you have modified the patron barcode(s), _Save_ the patron record. If you modified the ``primary'' barcode, the new primary barcode will display in the patron summary screen. Resetting Patron's Password ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ indexterm:[patrons, passwords] A patron’s password may be reset from the OPAC or through the staff client. To reset the password from the staff client, retrieve the patron record as described in the section <>. Open the patron record in edit mode as described in the section <>. Select the _Reset Password_ button next to the _Password_ field. image::media/circulation_patron_records-15.png[circulation_patron_records 15] NOTE: The existing password is not displayed in patron records for security reasons. A new number will populate the _Password_ and _Verify Password_ text boxes. Make note of the new password and _Save_ the patron record. The screen will refresh and the new password will be suppressed from view. Barring a Patron ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ indexterm:[patrons, barring] A patron may be barred from circulation activities. To bar a patron, retrieve the patron record as described in the section <>. Open the patron record in edit mode as described in the section <>. Check the box for _Barred_ in the patron account. image::media/circulation_patron_records-16.png[circulation_patron_records 16] _Save_ the user. The screen will refresh. NOTE: Barring a patron from one library bars that patron from all consortium member libraries. To unbar a patron, uncheck the Barred checkbox. Barred vs. Blocked ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ indexterm:[patrons, barring] *Barred*: Stops patrons from using their library cards; alerts the staff that the patron is banned/barred from the library. The ``check-out'' functionality is disabled for barred patrons (NO option to override – the checkout window is unusable and the bar must be removed from the account before the patron is able to checkout items).  These patrons may still log in to the OPAC to view their accounts. indexterm:[patrons, blocking] *Blocked*: Often, these are system-generated blocks on patron accounts.  Some examples: * Patron exceeds fine threshold * Patron exceeds max checked out item threshold A notice appears when a staff person tries to checkout an item to blocked patrons, but staff may be given permissions to override blocks. Staff-Generated Messages ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ [[staff_generated_messages]] indexterm:[patrons, messages] There are several types of messages available for staff to leave notes on patron records. *Patron Notes*: These notes are added via _Other_ -> _Notes_ in the patron record. These notes can be viewable by staff only or shared with the patron. Staff initials can be required. (See the section <> for more.) *Patron Alerts*: This type of alert is added via _Edit_ button in the patron record. There is currently no way to require staff initials for this type of alert. (See the section <> for more.) *Staff-Generated Penalties/Messages*: These messages are added via the _Messages_ button in the patron record. They can be a note, alert or block. Staff initials can be required. (See the section <> for more.) Patron Alerts ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ [[circulation_patron_alerts]] indexterm:[patrons, Alerts] When an account has an alert on it, a Stop sign is displayed when the record is retrieved. image::media/circulation_patron_records-18_web_client.png[circulation_patron_records 18] Navigating to an area of the patron record using the navigation buttons at the top of the record (for example, Edit or Bills) will clear the message from view. If you wish to view these alerts after they are cleared from view, they may be retrieved. Use the Other menu to select _Display Alert_ and _Messages_. image::media/circulation_patron_records-19_web_client.png[circulation_patron_records 19] There are two types of Patron Alerts: *System-generated alerts*: Once the cause is resolved (e.g. patron's account has been renewed), the message will disappear automatically. *Staff-generated alerts*: Must be added and removed manually. To add an alert to a patron account, retrieve the patron record as described in the section <>. Open the patron record in edit mode as described in the section <>. Enter the alert text in the Alert Message field. image::media/circulation_patron_records-20.png[circulation_patron_records 20] _Save_ the record. The screen will refresh and the alert will display. To remove the alert, retrieve the patron record as described in the section <>. Open the patron record in edit mode as described in the section <>. Delete the alert text in the _Alert Message_ field. _Save_ the record. The screen will refresh and the indicators for the alert will be removed from the account. Patron Notes ~~~~~~~~~~~~ [[circulation_patron_notes]] indexterm:[patrons, Notes] Notes are strictly communicative and may be made visible to the patron via their account on the OPAC. In the OPAC, these notes display on the account summary screen in the OPAC. image::media/circulation_patron_records-23_web_client.png[circulation_patron_records 23] To insert or remove a note, retrieve the patron record as described in the section <>. Open the patron record in edit mode as described in the section <>. Use the Other menu to navigate to _Notes_. image::media/circulation_patron_records-24_web_client.png[circulation_patron_records 24] Select the _Add New Note_ button. A _Create a new note_ window displays. [TIP] ================================================ Your system administrator can add a box in the _Add Note_ window for staff initials and require those initials to be entered. They can do so using the "Require staff initials..." settings in the Library Settings Editor. ================================================ Enter note information. Select the check box for _Patron Visible_ to display the note in the OPAC. image::media/circulation_patron_records-25_web_client.png[circulation_patron_records 25] Select _OK_ to save the note to the patron account. To delete a note, go to _Other -> Notes_ and use the _Delete_ button on the right of each note. image::media/circulation_patron_records-26_web_client.png[circulation_patron_records 26] Staff-Generated Penalties/Messages ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ [[staff_generated_penalties_web_client]] To access this feature, use the _Messages_ button in the patron record. image::media/staff-penalties-1_web_client.png[Messages screen] Add a Message ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Click *Apply Penalty/Message* to begin the process of adding a message to the patron. image::media/staff-penalties-2_web_client.png[Apply Penalty Dialog Box] There are three options: Notes, Alerts, Blocks * *Note*: This will create a non-blocking, non-alerting note visible to staff. Staff can view the message by clicking the _Messages_ button on the patron record. (Notes created in this fashion will not display via _Other_ -> _Notes_, and cannot be shared with the patron. See the <> section for notes which can be shared with the patron.) * *Alert*: This will create a non-blocking alert which appears when the patron record is first retrieved. The alert will cause the patron name to display in red, rather than black, text. Alerts may be viewed by clicking the _Messages_ button on the patron record or by selecting _Other_ -> _Display Alerts and Messages_. * *Block*: This will create a blocking alert which appears when the patron record is first retrieved, and which behaves much as the non-blocking alert described previously. The patron will be also blocked from circulation, holds and renewals until the block is cleared by staff. After selecting the type of message to create, enter the message body into the box. If Staff Initials are required, they must be entered into the _Initials_ box before the message can be added. Otherwise, fill in the optional _Initials_ box and click *OK* The message should now be visible in the _Staff-Generated Penalties/Messages_ list. If a blocking or non-blocking alert, the message will also display immediately when the patron record is retrieved. image::media/staff-penalties-3_web_client.png[[Messages on a record] Modify a Message ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Messages can be edited by staff after they are created. image::media/staff-penalties-4_web_client.png[[Actions menu] Click to select the message to be modified, then click _Actions_ -> _Modify Penalty/Message_. This menu can also be accessed by right-clicking in the message area. image::media/staff-penalties-5_web_client.png[Modify penalty dialog box] To change the type of message, click on *Note*, *Alert*, *Block* to select the new type. Edit or add new text in the message body. Enter Staff Initials into the _Initials_ box (may be required.) and click *OK* to submit the alterations. image::media/staff-penalties-6_web_client.png[Modified message in the list] Archive a Message ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Messages which are no longer current can be archived by staff. This action will remove any alerts or blocks associated with the message, but retains the information contained there for future reference. image::media/staff-penalties-4_web_client.png[[Actions menu] Click to select the message to be archived, then click _Actions_ -> _Archive Penalty/Message_. This menu can also be accessed by right-clicking in the message area. image::media/staff-penalties-7_web_client.png[Archived messages] Archived messages will be shown in the section labelled _Archived Penalties/Messages_. To view messages, click *Retrieve Archived Penalties*. By default, messages archived within the past year will be retrieved. To retrieve messages from earlier dates, change the start date to the desired date before clicking *Retrieve Archived Penalties*. Remove a Message ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Messages which are no longer current can be removed by staff. This action removes any alerts or blocks associated with the message and deletes the information from the system. image::media/staff-penalties-4_web_client.png[[Actions menu] Click to select the message to be removed, then click _Actions_ -> _Remove Penalty/Message_. This menu can also be accessed by right-clicking in the message area.