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Version: 3.1.X

Reservations Management

Once configured, the reservation system runs mostly automatically during the standard Check-in (Return) process. However, administrators can monitor and manage the queue manually.

1. The Reservation Lifecycle​

Step 1: Placing the Hold​

  • Via OPAC: A logged-in user searches for a book, sees it is "On Loan", and clicks Reserve.
  • Via Staff: An operator can place a reserve for a user through the Circulation > Reserve menu if the user is present or calls via phone.

Step 2: The Return (Trigger Event)​

The most critical step happens at the Circulation Desk.

  1. A patron returns a book that has a waitlist.
  2. The operator scans the barcode in the Return module.
  3. System Alert: A popup appears: "This item is reserved for [User Name]".
  4. Action: The operator clicks Confirm to print the slip and set the item status to "On Hold" (waiting pickup).
  5. Notification: The system automatically sends the "Item Available" email to the user.

Step 3: Pickup (Loan)​

  1. The requesting user arrives to collect the book.
  2. The operator performs a standard Loan.
  3. The system links the reservation to this loan and clears the hold from the queue.

2. Managing the Queue​

Sometimes users cancel requests or permissions change. You can manage active reservations manually.

Access: Circulation > Reserves > Database Manager

  • Browse: View all active reservations ordered by date or title.
  • Cancel: Select a reservation and delete it. This is necessary if a user says they no longer need the item.
  • Reorder: In some versions, you can adjust the priority of users in the queue.

3. Maintenance: Expired Reservations​

If a user does not pick up their book within the designated time (e.g., 2 days), the item should go to the next person or back to the shelf.

Script: Cleanup / Expired Holds

  • This utility (available in the Maintenance menu) checks the "Hold Date" against the system date.
  • If the pickup period has passed, it cancels the reservation and updates the status to "Available" (or notifies the next user).
Best Practice

Run the Expired Holds routine daily to prevent books from sitting on the hold shelf indefinitely.