Aleph Update: HOLLIS OPAC Ordered--Received Item Request Functionality Now Available

Hello,

This message will be of interest to public services and technical services staff.

Widener Library participated in a successful pilot project to allow patrons to place requests for items with Item Processing Status RE (Ordered--received) through the HOLLIS OPAC during the Summer and Fall of 2006.  The pilot resulted in a 62% increase in requests for items that were received but not yet cataloged during the summer and a 325% increase in requests for these items for the fall (compared to requests placed through the HCL Ordered--Received web form during the same time period in 2005).

An updated document explaining this functionality in Aleph can be found at:
http://hul.harvard.edu/ois/systems/aleph/docs/rec_ord_rec.pdf
Summary of Functionality

For participating libraries, "Request" links will appear on HOLLIS availability screens for all items with an Item Processing Status RE (Ordered--received).   An "Ordered--Received Request Slip" is generated each time a user places a request for one of these items.  Authorized print operators at participating units will use the print daemon to print these requests and forward them to the appropriate person or department for processing.  After processing, items will be sent to the circulation unit where circulation staff will use the "Print Letter--Hold Request Filled" function to notify the patron that the item is ready for pick-up. 

Please use the Aleph Support Center to request that items with Item Processing Status RE (Ordered--Received) be made requestable for your unit or to ask for more information on this functionality:

        http://hul.harvard.edu/ois/systems/aleph/forms/f-supp-circ.html

Thank you - Laura

Laura Morse
Systems Librarian
Harvard University Library
Office for Information Systems
90 Mt. Auburn Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
617-495-3724
617-496-5600 (fax)