The library catalog needs to alert the librarians/clerks about fines, maximum number of books, overdue books, etc. that affect circulation; when a patron is standing at the desk is not the best time to be trying to figure out why the catalog will not allow a checkout. For example, I just had a patron run up to the maximum number of books, but all the catalog said was that the books were "available, but not to this patron," and after trying to figure out why they were not available to her, I was about to send a help request when I noticed that she had 20 books checked out, which is the maximum. In that case it would be good if the catalog alerted me that that was the reason. I would say that the more obvious this alert is the better, maybe a window that pops up or at least red flashing text.
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3 comments
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Robert McInnes Oh yes! What a great idea. I have run into the same problem--when the library function prevents me from checking out a book, but Populi won't tell me why. If the error message were to provide the reason for not allowing the patron to check out a book ("available, but not to this patron"), that would make things so much better and easier to work with.
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Kari Ringger Agreed! A specified alert feature definitely needs to be added.
~Alaska Bible College Librarian
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Rebecca Chartrand This would be a wonderful feature to have as it would be helpful especially when library assistants aren't always as knowledgeable about how and where to find the answers!
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