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Pseudo Libraries (Drive-up and Lockers)

Pseudo Libraries are library agency codes assigned to support hold pick-up at an alternate location, such as drive-up window and library lockers. Pseudo Libraries do not have items or patrons associated with the agency code. They are only used by patrons and staff to select a preferred pick-up location when placing holds. 

Set-up of these special agency codes incurs a one-time implementation cost from SirsiDynix. If your library is implementing a drive-up window and/or library lockers for holds pick-up, contact SWAN support.

Onshelf items - processed at main library (XXX)

Onshelf items destined for the drive-up window or library lockers will be pulled from the main library's onshelf items list, or arrive from another library.

  1. View Onshelf Items List, pickup library column will indicate pseudo library.
  2. Pull items from the list and check-in. Follow proposed action to Route/Transit to the pseudo library.
  3. Put item in delivery/transit if destined for another library. If routing to your own pseudo library, follow internal processing (e.g. basket for collecting items, walk over to drive-up window periodically to transfer)

Received at pseudo library, prepare for pickup

  1. Checkin item transited to drive-up window/library lockers.
  2. Routing information indicates route to: HOLDS
  3. Print hold slips/wrappers as determined by your library
  4. Shelve for pick-up
  5. Ready for patron

Processing workflow

The following process flow diagrams and steps outline the processing steps for staff and an overview of the patron experience.

Drive-up holds processing steps for staff

Logged in as XXX Station (XXXCIRC) Logged in as XXX_D Station (XXXCIRCDRV)
  1. Check Onshelf Items list
  2. Pull items to fill holds
  3. Check in items, trap holds
    1. Process for local hold shelf
      1. Print hold wrappers/slips
      2. Place on hold shelf
    2. Transfer items to drive-up window processing area [See steps for XXX_D Station]
    3. Transit items to other libraries
      1. Process through Transit Label Generator, put in delivery
  4. When patron picks-up holds, checkout
  1. Check in item received from XXX
    1. Process for drive-up window hold shelf
      1. Print hold wrappers/slips
      2. Place on hold shelf
    2. Any exception, return to XXX for processing
  2. When patron picks up holds, checkout
All items returned by patrons should be processed by main station, XXX

 

General Principles

  • Used as a patron pick-up point for holds
    • Selected by patron when placing a hold in online catalogs (Aspen, Aspen, LiDA app)
    • Patron can modify pick-up point preference before hold is filled
  • No patrons are associated with the pseudo library
  • No items are "owned" by the pseudo library
  • Used to facilitate "transit" between main library and special hold pick-up point
  • Once item is ready to process for special hold pick-up point, item is checked in, hold slip generated, processed for patron pick-up
    • Checkout should be completed by pseudo library to properly remove title from hold shelf
  • Circulation rules mirror main library; decisions on special processing such as items required to be checked out at circulation desk handled by staff procedures (not restricted by the system)

Types of pseudo libraries

  Drive-up Window Lockers
Agency Code XXX_D XXX_L
Circulation Staff Account XXXCIRCDRV XXXCIRCLOK
Pick-up Location XXX_D XXX_L
Delivery Routes To XXX XXX
Description XXX Public Library Drive Up Window XXX Public Library Locker

 

Routing instructions

Items will route to pseudo library codes, RAILS Delivery will handle routing based on this first 3-character matching. Transit labels printed with the transit label generator will show the pseudo library. If you are writing a transit label you should write the pseudo library code.

WorkFlows functions for pseudo library staff 

WorkFlows access to functions is limited to the core set of features needed. Staff logging in as a pseudo library will have access to the following wizards:

  • Charge/Checkout
  • Discharge/Checkin (NOTE: it is recommended that all returns be processed by the main library)
  • Check Item Status
  • Display User
  • Manage Hold Shelf
  • Place Hold
  • Modify Holds for User
  • Item Search and Display
  • Help