Front Desk

Issuing follows a two-scan workflow: first identify the member, then scan each item to be loaned.

1. Navigate to Circulation → Front Desk.
2. Place the cursor in the Member barcode field and scan or type the member's barcode, then press Enter. The member's name, photo (if loaded), and current loan summary appear in the Member Status panel on the right.
3. Confirm the member's identity, particularly if they are borrowing on behalf of someone else.
4. Place the cursor in the Item barcode field (it may move there automatically) and scan the first item's barcode. The item title, author, and due date are displayed and the loan is recorded instantly.
5. Continue scanning additional items. Each scan appends a new row to the issue list for the current session.
6. When finished, click Print slip to print a receipt listing all items issued and their due dates, or simply clear the screen to serve the next member.

Returns can be processed with or without identifying the member first. This allows you to clear a drop-box of returns quickly.

1. Click the Return tab or button on the Front Desk screen.
2. Scan the item barcode. The system looks up which member had the item on loan, calculates any overdue fine, and discharges the loan.
3. If the item is overdue, a fine notification appears showing the amount due. The fine is posted to the member's account automatically.
4. If the item is bespoken by another member, a Bespeak alert appears (see Bespeak Notifications below). Set the item aside for collection.
5. Repeat for each item in the return batch.

A renewal extends the due date of an item currently on loan to the same member, without physically returning it. Renewals are subject to the privilege limits set for the member's type.

1. Identify the member by scanning their barcode in the Member barcode field.
2. Click the Renew tab or button.
3. Scan the item barcode, or select the item from the member's current loan list displayed in the Member Status panel.
4. The system checks the renewal count against the member's privilege limit. If renewals remain, the due date is extended by the standard loan period and a confirmation message is shown.
5. If the maximum number of renewals has been reached, the system displays a renewal-limit warning and the item cannot be renewed. The member must return the item.

Once a member is identified, the right-hand panel shows key account information at a glance.

When a returned item is subject to an active bespeak (reservation) by another member, the Front Desk displays a prominent alert so you can set the item aside for collection.

1. Scan the item barcode during a return. If a bespeak exists, a coloured alert box appears: "This item is reserved for [Member Name] — please hold it at the desk."
2. The item's status is automatically set to On Hold, preventing it from being issued to anyone else.
3. Notify the reserving member that their item is ready. You can do this via Circulation → Bespeaks, which provides an email notification option.
4. When the reserving member arrives, scan their barcode on the Front Desk and issue the item normally.

Related screens you may need during a typical Front Desk session: