Koha Bootcamp

Task: search for and place a hold on any audiobook for a patron. While the test server is still active, you could use test patron Monty (yes, my cat)—his library barcode is: 0123456789

If you are moving through these trainings sequentially, you may have already noticed that there are multiple ways to place holds (e.g., from the search results screen or from the detailed item record screen). Below, we'll see the process of placing a hold on the next available item from the detailed item record screen... first, find an audiobook!

1.) Click Place Hold to begin placing a hold on the item.

2.) You are then taken to the search patron screen and you can see that Koha has retained the item information. Generally, the next step would be to scan the patron's library card, but you could also search for the patron. Search for "monty" or "0123456789"

3.) As you start typing, results will begin to populate below the search box. If you find the correct patron in this list, you can click the patron's name to move on to step 5.

4.) Alternatively, you can click the yellow  button to see the list as a larger spreadsheet and then click the row with the correct patron:

5.) You can double-check the item being placed on hold here.

6.) You can double-check the patron we are placing the hold for here.

7.) Valley Cottage Library automatically populates here, but you can click the Pickup at dropdown menu to select another library.

8.) Click here to place the hold on the next available item (similar to a title hold).

Task: now, search for and place a hold on a specific item for Monty from another library.

To place a hold on a specific item, follow the steps above, but then scroll down on the hold placing screen (the step after you have searched for and found the correct patron) and select the radio button to Hold a specific item.

1.) Clicking one of the checkboxes in the Hold column selects the specific item you would like to place on hold

2.) Use the dropdown menu in the Allowed pickup locations column to select where the patron will pick up the hold

3.) If the patron is looking for a specific item at a specific library, check the Home library column to help identify the correct item

4.) Information column will provide notes on if the item is currently on the holds shelf at another library for a patron, or if it is already checked out, then you can see when it is due (for example, see the Information column in the last row pictured above).

5.) Place the hold!