Patron Type Table (Admin>Parameters>General - Sierra)

This documentation explains the functionality and data elements of the Patron Type table.

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Patron Type Table Overview

The Patron Type table allows the Marmot libraries to define up to 2000 unique codes for each library's patrons. These codes appear in the P TYPE fixed-length field in patron records.

Sierra uses patron types in the following ways:

• To determine the loan rule for an item in conjunction with item types and locations.

• To automatically block patrons from performing circulation transactions.

• As categories in circulation reports.

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Functionality Information

When viewing and modifying the Patron Type table, note the following:

• The Patron Type table always contains exactly 2000 entries numbered 0-1999.

• Patron Type 0 will not contain any library-specific information

Defining Patron Type Values

Marmot enters all the patron types for all the libraries. Each library will have a unique patron type for each category of patron for whom they want to define circulation policies (for example, adult, juvenile) and each type of patron that requires special consideration such as homebound patrons.

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Data Elements

Entries in the Patron Type table contain a single data element:

To see the patron types in order by your library location, click on Label at the top to toggle the order alphabetically. You can use the side button to scroll to view your library’s patron types.

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You can also highlight any line and click on the View button to see the patron type label information for English and Spanish (if used).

How Sierra Determines the Loan Rule for a Transaction

The system applies a loan rule when you perform the following types of circulation transactions:

• checking out an item

• placing a hold

• placing a held item on the holdshelf

• renewing an item

To select a loan rule for a transaction, the system does the following:

1. Determines the transaction location.

   • The system uses the LOCATION fixed-length field in the item record as the transaction location.

2. Finds the relevant entry in the Loan Rule Determiner table. To do so, the system searches the Loan Rule Determiner table from bottom to top until it finds an active entry that meets the following criteria:

   • The Location element includes the transaction location.

   • The Item Type element includes the item's I TYPE.

   • The Patron Type element matches the patron's P TYPE.

   • The value in the patron's BIRTH DATE field falls within the range specified in the Age Range element (this field is rarely used, especially for MLN1 libraries).

   • The entry is active.

3. Applies the loan rule indicated in the Rule Number element of the Loan Rule Determiner entry.

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