Branch Information {LPMM-2}

This option is used to define the branches of a library as well as certain default rules pertaining to each branch.

Fields in the option:

Block 1: Branch Information

Field	Type & Length	Description
Code	A6	Each branch is allocated a unique code, which is used in identifying it in this system. Even if the library has only one branch, a record must still be created. It will be useful if the code that is selected does have some meaning to users, as this code, rather than the full description, will be displayed when an item is identified in the circulation subsystem.
Name	A40	The name of the branch is entered here. This name will normally be displayed whenever the above code is used.
Service Unit	A1	If a library uses the decentralised option, this field can be used to specify when a branch is a Service Unit. When a staff member is linked to a Service Unit, it would not be possible to receive or issue an item in another Service Unit.
SAUNICAT Code	A4	These are the first 4 digits of the unique code for the library in the SAUNICAT. The successful decentralised functioning of the Interlending Sub-system depends on the correct data in this field.
Circulation Desk	A1	This parameter can be used to specify whether the library does normal circulation as well as Short Loan circulation at the circulation desk.
Telephone	A15	The telephone number of the specific branch/service unit can be entered here.
Fax	A15	The fax number of the branch/service unit is entered here.
Location	A3	Locations are defined under option {LPMC-2}. A default location is linked to each branch, and unless changed by the user, this location will be linked to all the items of the particular branch.
Time Open	HHMM	The time of day when this Branch normally opens.
Time Close	HHMM	The time of day when this Branch normally closes.
Open Saturday	A1	Every branch/service unit can specify whether it is open on a Saturday or not.
Open Sunday	A1	It can also be specified individually whether a branch/service unit is open on a Sunday.
Fine Amount	N11.2	The daily fine in respect of late returns. This amount will be used by the system in fine calculations. It can, however, be overwritten by records in the Loan Matrix {LCIC-3}.
Note: The following five fields are identical to Time Close, Circulation Desk, Telephone, Location and Time Open in the previous section. Upon the creation of a new record, the default values will be copied from there but can be altered by the user. These values will be used in respect of all items loaned from this branch/service unit unless a loan matrix record exists {LCIC-3}.
Initial Delay before Fine	N3	The default value per branch/service unit for the number of days the system has to delay before generating fines.
Max Fine	N8.2	A branch/service unit may want to place a limit on the fine to be calculated per individual item.
Loan Days	N3	The default value for the number of calendar days an item may be loaned by a user. If items may not be loaned from this branch/service unit, a “0” is entered.
Renewal Days	N3	The default value for the number of additional loan days for which the loan of an item can be extended at a time.
Loan Item Limit	N3	The default value of the number of items that may be loaned to any individual user.
Renewal Limit	N3	The default value for the number of consecutive times that an item may be renewed. If renewals are not allowed, a “0” should be entered. The period of each renewal is set in "Renewal Days" above.
Address		This address would be used in the case of the decentralised option, in which case orders would be delivered to this address.

Example:

Processing Rules
	No special processing rules.

Date	System Version	By Whom	Job	Description
20-Jan-2007	v01.0.0.0	Amanda Nell	t134396	New manual format.
26-Jun-2008	v01.0.0.0	Vaughn Dumas	t134396	System owner proofread.
25-Aug-2008	v01.0.0.0	Charlene van der Schyff	t152515	Edit language obtained from proof read language Juliet Gillies.