Patron Codes Overview
Patron Codes are used to define circulation privileges for groups of patrons. Each library sets their own limits for Patron Codes. With Shared Patron, the rules of the checkout library are followed, no matter where the patron is registered. See this article for more information on how circulation rules are applied within the consortium.
The Patron Code a patron is assigned determines:
Use this report to see the following settings for each patron code:
- Total number of checkouts allowed for the patron
- Total number of active holds allowed for the patron
- Based on the fines the accrued, the patron code controls the amount for the First level Fine Block (a pop-up warning) and Second Level Fine Block (a block that requires special staff permission to override)
- The maximum number of items the patron can have overdue before they are blocked from circulation.
The patron code is also used to:
- Libraries can elect to exclude certain patron codes from placing holds in the PAC or self-checks and other 3rd party services that use a 3M SIP connection.
- Libraries can elect to exclude certain patron codes from checking out or placing holds via Polaris ExpressCheck units
- Library can elect to exclude certain patron codes from being submitted to the library’s collection agency.
In conjunction with other Polaris codes, the patron codes also impact the following
- The number of checkouts and holds allowed for each Material Type Code
- The Fine amount for each Fine Code. Fine code names normally correspond with their matching material type on the item record, but this is not a requirement.
- The loan period that a patron of a particular patron Code for an item with a particular Loan Period Code. Loan period code names normally correspond with their matching material type on the item record, but this is not a requirement.