Global Blocks and Notes
There are two places in the Aleph Circulation module where you can add a manual block or note to a patron's account: Global and Local Blocks and Notes. A Global block will show at all Novanet libraries, whereas a Local block will only show at the home institution.
To access the Global Blocks and Notes in the Circulation module in Aleph:
To access the Global Blocks and Notes in the Circulation module in Aleph:
- Go to the 'Patron' tab.
- Under 'Patron Registration', choose '[G] Global Patron Information'.
- In the main window, choose '2. Global Blocks and Notes'.
This is where you see blocks on a patron's account suspending borrowing privileges.
We generally only use two blocks: '10 Administrative Block' and '20 Mail Returned'.
The 'Administrative Block' is usually a system generated block. It is used for:
You can manually add an 'Administrative Block', if, for example, a patron has fines on more than one account in Aleph.
Once you are in 'Global Blocks and Notes', it is easy to add a new block. Simply click on the first drop down menu and choose the block you want to add. Then, type the reason for the block in the next field, and put in the date. For example:
- The most common reason for manually putting a block on a patron's account is missing contact information, such as a phone number or email address.
- The most common system-generated block is for overdue items and/or fines.
We generally only use two blocks: '10 Administrative Block' and '20 Mail Returned'.
The 'Administrative Block' is usually a system generated block. It is used for:
- Overdue books
- Fines on an account of $10 or more
- Lost books
You can manually add an 'Administrative Block', if, for example, a patron has fines on more than one account in Aleph.
Once you are in 'Global Blocks and Notes', it is easy to add a new block. Simply click on the first drop down menu and choose the block you want to add. Then, type the reason for the block in the next field, and put in the date. For example:
- Click 'Update' or hit 'Enter' on the keyboard.
- Some staff members also initial blocks. In most cases, this is not necessary. You should initial the block, if it is not one of the more common ones, and personal contact with the patron is required.
To remove a block, simply change the block to '00 No Delinquency', delete the note, and click 'Update'.
Back to Patron information