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Masquerade as a Patron

Use Masquerade mode to view a patron's account in Aspen and assist them with holds and account issues.

Using Masquerade mode, library staff can:

  • Assist a patron in navigating search results
  • Assist a patron with questions about their account
  • Place holds for a patron
  • Reset a patron's PIN

Accessing "Masquerade" mode

  1. From your library's Aspen catalog, login with your staff account (note: this is not a barcode)
  2. You can access Masquerade mode from two places:
    1. My Account landing page toolbar menu.
    2. By clicking your username to reveal the My Account quick-access tools.
       aspen-masquerade-001.pngaspen-masquerade-002.png
  3. Enter the patron's Library Card Number at the prompt.
     aspen-masquerade-003.png
  4. The account name now displays Acting As.
     aspen-masquerade-004.png

Useful tips

  • Masquerade mode will prompt to automatically sign out after one minute of inactivity, which returns you to your staff My Account page.
  • Masquerading as a patron will not update the Last Activity Date, unless you place a hold or take action on the account.
  • Library staff with an OPAC Administrator account can masquerade as other library staff accounts within their library; Library staff cannot masquerade as library staff accounts for other libraries.