► Circulation Reference Data
Different fine rates and sequences can be applied for the different users and types of material set up in your OLIB system. First you enter a number of different Fine Rates, e.g. 0.50 per day, 0.25 per day. These are built into a Fine Sequence, e.g. 0.25 for 7 days, then 0.50 for 3 weeks. Other fines parameters are also configured in Fine Sequences. A predefined set of reference data is supplied for Payment Methods, and Charge Types and you can also add to these.
Fine Sequences and other fines settings such as those controlling maximum debt are configured into the Loan Terms record.
It is advised that you set up the fines system before the User/Copy Category and Loan Terms matrix is created.
Fine rates are required for Circulation if a fines system is to be implemented.
Fines, other than on hourly loan items, accrue on a daily basis for each day that an item is overdue. Any number of daily fine rates can be set to accommodate different rates due, for example, you may have one fine rate for standard loans and another fine rate for audio-visual materials. One or more daily fine rates are then combined to form Fine Sequences.
Create the number of Fine Rates needed then add them into a Fine Sequence.
Fine sequences are required for Circulation if a fines system is to be implemented.
These are used to set up sequences of charges based on daily fine rates, and to specify rates for hourly loans. For example, you may wish to charge 10 pence a day for the first two weeks an item is overdue, then 20 pence a day for the following two weeks. A termination charge can be added on top of this or you may wish to charge the cost of replacement for the item. You can also define the rate used for hourly fines for items that are loaned on an hourly basis.
Note: if a 'grace' period is to be included, or if you wish to fine for a single day, rather than allow fines to accrue, a Fine Rate of zero should be included.
For example, a fine sequence of a single fine of 10 pence after the item is a week overdue, then 50 pence if the item is still not returned after a further two weeks (i.e. not increasing on a daily basis) would require a sequence like this:
Daily Rate = Zero for 7 days
Daily Rate = 0.10 for 1 day
Daily Rate = Zero for 14 days
Daily Rate = 0.50 for 1 day
Reference data for payment and fine waiver types are required for Circulation if a fines system is to be implemented. When a payment is made by a user, a method of payment (Payment Type) must be recorded in the User Charges screen. There may be occasions when you need to waive fines in line with your library policy, for this a Waive Type is the reason for waiving the charge. A predefined list of payment types is supplied with OLIB. Note that the Payment Type that appears by default when processing a fine is Cash.
The default of Cash appears when processing a payment in the User Charges screen. This default can be changed to a different value in OLIB Defaults:
When processing a payment in User Charges this will be the new type by default.
OLIB allows you to charge and record payments made for any items and services that the library may sell. For example, you may sell photocopying cards and wish to record this as a manually applied charge. User Transaction Types are required for Circulation if a manual charging system is to be implemented. A predefined list of charge types is supplied with OLIB.
Caution: it is recommended that none of the predefined Charge Types are deleted. For example PAY is necessary for normal functioning of the fines system.