Claims Returned (Sierra)
Claims Returned can be used when a patron claims to have returned an item that is still checked out on their account. Please check your library policy or check with a supervisor before continuing.
Table of Contents
Claim Returned Button
Click on Claim Returned. A claim returned can be used when a patron claims to have returned an item that is still checked out on their account.
The Claims Returned On calendar will pop up. Click on the date they claimed to have returned the item and click OK. If the patron does not remember the date, click the Blank Date button.
The Change Item Status pop-up box will appear. Select the item status that best suits your library's needs.
Note: Some libraries change the status to 'Missing' if the patron insists they have returned the item. Please refer to the Patron Placed Holds MLN1 (PPH) Best Practices document for procedures on handling missing items.
Check in items (with no fines) and change status to MISSING
The system changes the item's STATUS to 'm' Missing, checks in the item, and prompts you to cancel any outstanding holds on the item.
Check in items (with no fines) and change status to CLAIMS RTRND
The system changes the item's STATUS to 'z' Claims Returned, checks in the item, and waives any outstanding fines or bills for the checkout. Charges associated with previous transactions are not automatically waived.
Most libraries use this choice.
Leave items checked out (send overdue notices) and change status to CLAIMS RTRND
The system changes the item's STATUS to 'z' Claims Returned and leaves the item checked out to the patron. If the patron does not return the item, the system continues to send overdue notices, generate a bill, etc.
Messages
The following screen message will pop up, “The item was claimed returned.” The Status of the item will change to CLMS RETD.
Claims returned information in the item and patron record:
The patron record will have a number listing for each CL RTRND (Claim Returned).
The item will have the STATUS of z CLMS RETD.
The item will also have an INT. NOTE (internal note) stating when the book was marked Claims Returned, and date (unless you choose Blank Date on the calendar) and the patron number.
Returning the Item
If the item is found by a staff member or the patron...
Check-in the item using the Check-In (No Patron) function.
Scan the barcode of the item.
The following message will pop up, “Item status is CLMS RETD. Clear it?” Click Yes.
Clicking Yes, the following screen will display the Status as Claimed returned.
The item STATUS changed from CLMS RETD to – ON SHELF.
The INT. NOTE will be gone from the item.