Returns

Best Practices for Returns

• Follow local workflow protocols for handling hold shelf material 
• When an item that has a hold request for a patron is scanned in via Return Items at the library that patron selected for pickup, an email notification will be sent to the patron telling them the item is on hold for them.
• Remote storage items (Harvard Depository, ReCAP, SCSB, etc.) should not to be returned to owning library but sent directly to remote storage.
• Only Borrow Direct and Interlibrary Loan items should be sent to Resource Sharing.
• If an item’s record needs work - for example, cataloging work by ITS - and it has a work order request on it, returning the item generates the message Item is requested by another patron
  
  • In this situation, the word "patron" includes both individuals and library departments, such as Conservation
• The Scan in items function is used primarily by departments when they have completed their work on an item, but may also be used to return materials

Returning Items

Recommended Method for Returns at Circulation Units

1. From the main menu, select Fulfillment > Return Items
2. Scan barcode into the Returns field
3. Watch for any notifications on where an item should be sent to and route as indicated

Why This Method is Recommended

This method is the easiest way to catch any returns that may have waiting hold requests.

• If an item needs to be sent somewhere, a pop-up message will indicate next steps.
• If an item has a hold request in the current library, a hold slip prints automatically.

Other Method for Returns

1. Go to Fulfillment >> Resource Requests >> Scan in Items
2. Scan in item to the Scan item barcode field
3. Make sure that the Automatically print slip option is set to Yes
   
4. Click OK

Why This Method is not Recommended

There are no pop-ups generated when using this method to alert processing staff to the next step (transit, re-shelve, etc).

If the option to Automatically print slip is not set to Yes, a hold slip will not be generated for any items with waiting holds.

If the Register in-house use option is left checked, an in-house use will be logged.