Global Blocks and Notes
To access '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 the second tab: '2. Global Blocks and Notes'.
This is where you see blocks on a patron's account suspending borrowing privileges. We generally use only 2 blocks: '10 Administrative Block' and '20 Mail Returned'.
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. For this purpose we use the '20 Mail Returned'
The most common system-generated block is for overdue items and/or fines.
The 'Administrative Block is usually a system generated block. It is used for:
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 type 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. For this purpose we use the '20 Mail Returned'
The most common system-generated block is for overdue items and/or fines.
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
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 type you want to add. Then, type the reason for the block in the next field and put in the date. For example:
- Remember to click 'Update' or hit 'Enter' on the keyboard.
- If the Block is one of the more generic comments, such as 'Please verify phone number', there is not need to initial the comment, but a date should be added.
- If a staff member had personal contact with the patron (or will be required to) because of a special circumstance or issue, initials should be added, along with the date.
To remove a Global Block, simply change the block to '00 No Delinquency' and click 'Update'.
Global Notes would be used for such things as alerting other institutions of a patron's fines on a second account. These notes would be added to the 'Global Note' fields.
Back to Blocks and Notes