Do you use patron Blocks?

This neat feature allows you to stop a patron's service, either until the Block is deleted or until a specific date. While a patron is blocked, they have a highlighted "Active / BLOCKED" status to alert any RAs serving them.

The Block will stop all assignments for all libraries - so they won't get anything while they are on vacation, even if their reserve becomes available. (However, the block is not communicated to NLS, so their direct magazines will continue uninterrupted.)

These features make blocks great for putting a patron "on hold" for a vacation, or for stopping service to a patron while a returned mail issue is sorted out.

Here's how to use them:

1. Go to the Blocks Tab for a patron
2. Press the Add button in the toolbar or Ctrl+A
3. Select an option from the combo box (nothing there? Some libraries allow you to type in an ad-hoc description, or better yet, contact Customer Support for help setting up some pre-set blocks for general use)
4. Right below that, there is a date range that controls how long the block will be active. Change the End date of the block as needed.
5. Save the block using the toolbar or Ctrl+S
6. It is also a good idea to add a note with more information, in case there is any question about why the patron was blocked.

Want more information about patron holds? Check out this Key Notes blog post from last year.

If you use patron blocks at your library, chime in to share your thoughts about the feature or tell us which types of blocks you use the most! And as always, if you have any questions, let us know