[Koha] Off-site storage

[Charles Kelley]

Greetings, Elaine!

    In our latest exchange, on 26 Oct. 2021 at 08:01 [JST], I received this
from Elaine Bradtke <eb at efdss.org> through the Koha Discussion Group thus:

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

    Glad to be of service. Here's hoping it's to your library's benefit.

    In our first exchange, on 22 Oct. 2021 at 08:01 [JST], I received this
from Elaine Bradtke <eb at efdss.org> through the Koha Discussion Group:

     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.
>

        In a response, on 22 Oct. 2021 at 13:47 [JST] I wrote:


>          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.
>


-- 

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    -- Charles.

    Charles Kelley, MLS
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    Charles Kelley
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