[Koha] Off-site storage

[Elaine Bradtke]

Thank you, that is very helpful.  I will experiment with our test instance.
Elaine
VWML <https://vwml.org>



On Thu, Oct 21, 2021 at 9:47 PM Charles Kelley <cmkelleymls at gmail.com>
wrote:

> Hi, Elaine et al!
>
>     In our latest exchange, on 22 Oct. 2021 at 08:01 [JST], I received
> this from Elaine Bradtke <eb at efdss.org>:
>
> I would like to ask how other libraries are handling material in remote storage.
>> Currently, we only have a location code for off-site material. However,
>> it seems we need a way to clearly indicate that the material must be
>> requested a certain amount of time in advance.
>>
>> Do you use the holds module for these items?  We haven't used patron logins,
>> or holds because it's primarily a reference collection. Do you treat
>> remote storage as a branch? So many options, please tell me what works
>> best for you.
>>
>
>     Yes, after a fashion, we use a branch. Here's what I mean.
>
>    - We made a library for offsite storage. Here are the Koha values we
>    filled in.
>       - Code = OFF
>       - Name = Offsite Storage
>       - OPAC Info = To get this work, please place a hold for it or
>       contact the library staff.
>
> Please allow approximately 7-10 days.
>
>    - All the other fields are left empty so that other libraries can use
>       the OFF library.
>
>
>    - In the item record, we change 952 $b to OFF (Offsite Storage). It's
>    the only subfield we have to change.
>
>
>    - In the system preferences, we make sure both the home library and
>    the current library are to be displayed (OPACLocationBranchToDisplay).
>
>     Why this arrangement?
>
>    - It shows that the library still owns at least one copy, and it came
>    from the XXX collection in the YYY shelving location.
>    - It shows that the copy has been put in storage.
>    - The rollover (mouseover, balloon tag or help tag if you prefer)
>    instructs how to get the work and approximately how long it ought to
>    take.
>
> We usually go to storage to retrieve materials twice a week (Mondays and
> Thursdays), so an estimate of 7-10 days probably lengthens the
> expectations, so that patrons are pleased, to paraphrase Scotty's "How do
> think I keep my reputation as a miracle worker," when the work comes 3-4
> days later instead. Of course, in the long term, the general expectations
> will shorten to reflect reality.
>
>    - The library staff will not have to record the XXX collection and YYY
>    shelving location in 952 $x in case the work is reintegrated into the
>    collection. It's a simple change of copying the home library into the
>    current library.
>    - The wording is to allow other libraries and branches to use the same
>    code if they need it.
>
>     I have to state that no procedure is perfect. But it, along with
> patron education, works reasonably well, and that's usually enough for the
> library staff and our patrons.
>
>     If you have questions, please may you be encouraged to ask.
>
> --
>
>     気を付けて。 /ki wo tukete/ = Take care.
>
>     -- Charles.
>
>     Charles Kelley, MLS
>     PSC 704 Box 1029
>     APO AP 96338
>
>     Charles Kelley
>     Tsukimino 1-Chome 5-2
>     Tsukimino Gaadenia #210
>     Yamato-shi, Kanagawa-ken
>     〒242-0002 JAPAN
>
>     +1-301-741-7122 [US cell]
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>
>     mnogojazyk at aol.com [h]
>     cmkelleymls at gmail.com [p]
>
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>