• | Scan the barcode label on the borrower’s library card. |
• | Manually enter the barcode number or second ID. |
• | Search for the borrower record using search criteria. |
The easiest way is to scan the borrower’s barcode label. There are times, however, when this is not possible. (For example, the barcode label may be torn, missing, or too dirty for the scanner to read.) You can also enter the borrower’s barcode manually from the keyboard.
If you normally enter barcode numbers manually, rather than with a barcode wand, your system administrator can program Horizon to recognize a barcode prefix. Normally, the first several barcode digits will be the same for all borrowers at your library. These first numbers are a barcode prefix. If a barcode prefix is set up in Horizon, you only need to enter in the last few numbers (referred to as the significant digits), rather than the whole barcode. Horizon inserts the prefix in front of the numbers you entered and identifies the borrower.
If a borrower forgets his or her card and does not know the number, you can look up the borrower’s information. You can search by alphabetical last name listing or by keywords from the borrower’s name. You can also search by borrower alias, borrower record number, or by the barcode of an item the borrower has checked out. These search criteria are library-defined.
Many libraries set up a second ID (in addition to the barcode) which can be entered in the Borrower Barcode field to identify a borrower. (For example, some libraries use borrowers’ social security numbers for second IDs.) Second IDs are sometimes referred to as borrower aliases. (For more information on second IDs at your library, see your system administrator.)
The most common search is for a borrower’s name. Once you choose the name in the borrower records, Horizon either sends the chosen record to Checkout or displays the Current Blocks window for the borrower. You can deal with the blocks (if any) at that time or send the borrower record to Checkout (if appropriate) so that you can complete your task.
To identify a borrower in Circulation
1 | Start the Circulation process. |
The default location of this process is the Circulation folder on the navigation bar.
2 | Double-click Open CKO Window. |
Horizon opens the Checkout window:
3 | Do one of these options: |
• | Scan the barcode label on the borrower’s library card. |
• | Type the barcode number in the Borrower Barcode field. |
• | Start a borrower search. |
To do this, follow these steps:
– | Press F4 or choose Borrower, Find Borrower. |
Horizon displays the Search window:
Your system administrator can define the search indexes displayed in the Search window.
– | Highlight the search index you want in the Indexes list. |
– | Enter the required information in the Search for field and click OK. |
One of these things happens:
• | If you choose a search index that requires an exact match, such as the borrower number or the borrower alias, Horizon returns the borrower record results to the Checkout window. |
• | If you choose an alphabetical search index, or another index that brings up a list, Horizon brings up a complete list of borrowers, sorted according to the search criteria. Double-click on the borrower you are searching for. Horizon returns the borrower record results to the Checkout window. |
Note: If the name you enter into an alphabetical search index does not exist in the borrower database, the selector arrow will point at the name that is closest in spelling to the one you entered. You can then cancel the search and add the borrower to the database. (For more information, see “Doing a Basic Search” in the “Searching” chapter of the Horizon Basics Guide.)
Horizon displays the selected name and address or phone number in the Borrower display field of the Checkout window. With the borrower name entered, you are ready to continue with your task.
Note: A number of different message boxes may display when you identify a borrower. If a message box displays, follow the instructions to resume or cancel the task. If you do not understand the message, see your system administrator.
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