System Patrons: Special Patrons for Special Circumstances
Summary: Alexandria offers six special System patrons allowing you to check an item out for an indefinite period of time. These items display a special copy status in the details when your patrons search the catalog and can also be tracked with reports. These special patrons are accessed just like a regular patron check out--by using the appropriate patron and item barcodes.

Lost Items (1)

When an item is reported lost, you can check it out to this special patron and charge the responsible patron without any extra steps. Coming Soon! In 5.44 Rev. C, when a lost item is bookdropped, a Refund window will appear which will allow you to issue a refund if you desire and print a receipt for that refund. For more information, see our Training Note: "Lost Patron: Making It Work for You." (click link to download file in .pdf format)

Discarded Items (2)

Use this to record items weeded from your collection due to damage, age, etc., until you are prepared to permanently delete them. Add replacement copies for items you wish to replace and create reports indicating the copies that have been removed from your collection.

For Library Use (3)

Do you need to set books aside for book talks or special class projects in the library? This patron will show them as unavailable until you are ready to check them back in.

On Repair (4)

This patron marks items as unavailable that need to be repaired. Use it to avoid the problem of patrons who wonder why an item is available, but not on the shelf.

On Order (5)

Create a brief record for items you are ordering, then check them out to this patron, and allow regular patrons to see whether an item is available or on its way.

Archived Items (6)

Have you stored items in your inventory that are not readily available to patrons for check out? Check those items out to the Archived Items patron prior to storage, and your patrons will know why they are not on the shelf.

System patrons offer a convenient way to track items and maintain an accurate online catalog. If you have any questions or comments regarding this tip, please contact alextrainers@companioncorp.com.

Thank you,
The Alexandria Staff Librarians