Returned requests not Checked In
We have a patron who has about 14 items returned quite a while ago in MNLINK. The system won't allow him to place anymore requests because it thinks he is above our 20 item limit. Is there any way that his MNLINK record could be manually cleared?
This is a good question about what is the proper way to clean up those requests that have been returned awhile ago, but were never Checked In. We will always have these items slip through the cracks because the paperwork was missing or just not noticed in the Returned request.
Here’s what I suggest, first choose the Action of Message on a request that has been returned. When the new screen opens you can leave the New Note Type as is and add a note to the New Note box. Your note should say something like "we returned this item on 6/29, would you please check your shelves to confirm this item has been returned and then Check In on VDX". This will put a message in their Lender Queue Message file.
It is important to be monitoring the Message file in both the Lender and the Borrower Work Queue. When there is a request in this file someone is likely awaiting a specific response, much like if a request was Conditional or Renewal.
There is also the option to call or email each library about the requests in question. You can find detailed contact information in the MINITEX ILL Policy Database. You can find the search page here: http://www.minitex.umn.edu/illpolicy/search.asp
If anyone has any questions or some other ideas about how these requests should be handled, please let me know.
Thanks for asking Steve, this was a great question!