FROM THE COMPUTER ROOM:
Offline Self-Check Transactions - In the last few weeks Algonquin and Niles have discovered three bugs with offline self-check transactions:
1) Older versions of the self-check software will print a due date on the receipt that is not posted to the database due to miscommunication with the server. Instead the server uses the circmap to determine the due date, and posts that. The result is that the due date in the database and the due date on the receipt are not the same.
2) If you are running a current version of the self-check software, be aware that the due date sent to the server is posted to the database, therefore the due date on the receipt and the due date in the database match. However, the due date sent by the self-check contains a due time that is not 23:59. What this means is that items are coming due before the end of the day. It is therefore possible that an item returned on the due date, but past the due time can be flagged as overdue, dependent on the grace period.
3) An implicit discharge does not occur for items charged offline, when the item is currently charged to another patron. The result is that the item is now charged to both patrons.
Consult with your vendor to be sure you are running the most current version of the software, and test the first two issues listed within. We are working with Sirsi to correct the third issue, but in the meantime, a daily report will be compiled that identifies and lists items with two or more charges. You can find this report on the reports web page in the "Special Daily Reports" section. It is labeled "Items with 2 or more charges".
CCS MEETINGS NEXT WEEK:
Wed., 7/9, 10:00, CCS: Executive Committee
Fri., 7/12, 9:30, Lincolnwood: Circulation
Happy July 4th from the CCS Staff
