Broken Links

FYI

 

From: Ortiz, Sarah - HPL
Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2012 10:54 AM
To: South-Belt Staff- HPL
Subject: FYI. . . Broken Links

 

 Sent to you by Sarah via Google Reader:

FYI. . . Broken Links

via McGovern-Stella Link Neighborhood Library by Tim S. on 8/15/12

Over the past three days, I have encountered just as many broken links. When an item is checked in that is on hold for another patron the usual popup will allow you to "Check in Fulfill Hold" as usual. However the next popup will not be the prompt to print out holdslip, instead it will read "Unable to process hold on this item." This is the giveaway to a broken link. For some reason the hold can not be put "in transit" in the system and fulfill the request for the patron. This has happened from time to time in the past, but is happening quite frequently lately.

Actions

1. It is very important to clear an item from a patrons account that currently has it checked out. Scan the item again and chose the second option "checkin do not fulfill hold." This will remove the item from the patron that has it checked out.

2. Search/Holds and find the patron that has the item on hold by scanning the barcode and looking up Bib-level holds. Look up the patrons account in Circulation Desk. More than likely this patron's account will be "in use by system." Find the patrons p-number by clicking the view account and call IT to attempt to clear patrons account. The p-number will be in the top left of the account and look like p12345678, for example. When the account is cleared, attempt to checkin item and fulfill hold.

3. If this does not solve the problem, have IT clear the item i-number (i12345678), which is found in "Search/Holds."

4. After attempting these steps, IT will usually declare it a broken link. Request the hold be replaced on patrons account.

5. Put a note on the item about its broken link and hold onto to it for a day or two. IT will email you when the link has been fixed. You can then checkin the item and fulfill the hold without issues.

If you have any questions about the procedure please ask, or just let me know and I'll take care of it.
Thanks.
Tim