Processing "Claims Returned" Items
When a patron believes they have returned an item that still appears as checked out on their account, they may request a Claims Returned status. Follow these steps if your library's policy permits this action.
Consortium Policy: If your library does not own the item, you must contact the owning library for permission before marking it as Claims Returned.
1. Marking an Item as Claims Returned
- From the CIRC Toolbar, click the Checkout Wizard.
- Scan the user's barcode or use the User Search Helper to identify the patron.
- In the list of checkouts, highlight the item in question, right-click it, and select Claims Returned.
- Use the Claims Returned Gadget (calendar icon) to select the date the patron claims they returned the item.
- Click Mark Items Claimed Returned to complete the process.
Fine Calculation:
- If the date is on or before the due date, no fines are assessed.
- If the date is after the due date, overdue fines are calculated up to that claimed date.
A "Claims Returned" item remains on the patron's record for one year unless it is found and checked in before then.
2. Adjusting the Claims Returned Counter
When an item is marked as Claims Returned, the Claims Returned Count on the user’s record increases by one. This counter does not reset automatically. Check with your library's management to determine if or when this counter should be manually decreased.
- From the CIRC Toolbar, click the Modify User wizard.
- Identify the patron by scanning their barcode or using the User Search Helper.
- Navigate to the Privilege tab.
- Click the Claims Returned Gadget (numeric icon).
- Subtract 1 from the current total and click OK.
- Enter the required override and click Save.
