2.1 Overview to Loans

Function [Loan] is used for lending materials to patrons and for collecting patron fines and fees. The process for both is the same. First, the user identifies a patron. If the patron is new, and if the library allows the dynamic adding of patrons via Loans, then the user can add the patron, otherwise the session is over. If the patron is in the patron database, then the software checks to see if the patron is eligible to borrow materials. Eligibility is based on outstanding loans, fines, fees, and if the patron's account has not expired. Ineligibility is called a Circulation Block.

Once identified, the circulation user may examine the patron's current loans, collect fines and fees, edit the patron's demographic record (if allowed), and execute a loan.

Function [Loan] and [Loan with Override] differ in that the later can override a Circulation Block. Also, [Loan with Override] can change the date and time of the loan.