Max Loans and Max Days

Welcome to BiblioTECH's tutorial on how to set the number of loans and the maximum number of days patrons can keep resources. In this tutorial, we'll explain how the system applies these permissions and how you can configure them at various levels. Let's get started.

How Permissions Work

Max Days: This defines the maximum number of days a patron can keep a resource. The system checks several levels to determine this value.

First, it looks at the resource's own "Max Days" field. If this field has a number value, it uses that as the maximum number of days.
If the resource's field is empty, it checks the patron's "Max Days" value. If the patron has a value here, it takes that number.
If the patron's field is empty, it looks at the Level's "Max Days." If the Level has a value, it uses that number.
If the Level's field is empty, it then checks the Group's "Max Days." The Group's "Max Days" cannot be empty and is set to a default of 14.
Max Resources: This determines the maximum number of resources a patron can borrow. Similar to Max Days, the system follows a hierarchy to find this value.
It begins by checking the patron's "Max Resources" field. If this field has a value, it uses that as the maximum number of resources the patron can borrow.
If the patron's field is empty, it looks at the Level's "Max Resources." If the Level has a value, it uses that number.
If the Level's field is empty, it checks the Group's "Max Resources." The Group's "Max Resources" cannot be empty and is set to a default of 5.

Configuring Max Days and Max Resources

In most cases, you'll want to set Max Days and Max Resources at the Level level to ensure consistency among patrons in the same group. However, there may be exceptions where specific patrons or resources require different limits. Here's how to configure these limits:

Configuring Patron Limits:

Go to the Patrons Manager.
Identify the patron you want to configure.
Click on the "Actions" button.
Select "Edit."
Enter the desired numerical values for "Max Days" and "Max Resources."
Save your changes.

Configuring Level Limits:

In the Patrons Manager, click on the "Levels" tab.
Identify the level you wish to configure.
Click on the "Actions" button.
Select "Edit."
Input the desired numerical values for "Max Days" and "Max Resources."
Save your changes.

Configuring Group Limits:

In the Patrons Manager, click on the "Groups" tab.
Identify the group requiring configuration.
Click on the "Actions" button.
Select "Edit."
Specify the numerical values for "Max Days" and "Max Resources."
Save your changes.

Configuring Resource Limits:

Go to the Resource Manager.
Identify the resource you want to configure.
Click on the "Actions" button.
Select "Edit."
Enter the desired numerical values for "Max Days" and "Max Resources."
Save your changes.

Examples

Scenario 1

Resource Max Days: Not set
Patron Max Days: Not set
Patron Max Resources: Not set
Level Max Days: 14
Level Max Resources: 5
Group Max Days: 1
Group Max Resources: 1

In this scenario, patrons belonging to the specified level can borrow up to 5 resources, and the loan duration is 14 days.

Scenario 2

Resource Max Days: Not set
Patron Max Days: Not set
Patron Max Resources: Not set
Level Max Days: Not set
Level Max Resources: Not set
Group Max Days: 1
Group Max Resources: 1

Here, patrons belonging to the specified group can borrow up to 1 resource, and the loan duration is 1 day.

Scenario 3

Resource Max Days: 0
Patron Max Days: Not set
Patron Max Resources: Not set
Level Max Days: Not set
Level Max Resources: Not set
Group Max Days: 1
Group Max Resources: 1

In this example, patrons cannot take the specified resource out of the library on loan; it is only available for on-site use.

Scenario 4

Resource Max Days: Not set
Patron Max Days: Not set
Patron Max Resources: 0
Level Max Days: Not set
Level Max Resources: Not set
Group Max Days: 14
Group Max Resources: 5

In this case, the patron is not allowed to borrow any resources. All loans are blocked.

To wrap up, configuring loan duration and resource limits in BiblioTECH is a key aspect of customising your library's operations to better serve your patrons. By adjusting these settings, you're able to create a more tailored and effective lending environment that meets the unique needs of your community. Remember, periodic reviews and adjustments of these settings can further enhance user satisfaction and library efficiency. Should you require further guidance or encounter any challenges, our support team is readily available to assist. Thank you for choosing BiblioTECH, and we hope this tutorial has been helpful in optimising your library's lending policies.