Setting Parameters for Billing Unreturned Items
To set up the parameters the system uses when billing patrons for unreturned items, set the following elements for each appropriate loan rule:
- Max Number of Odues.
- Time First Odue through Time Sixth Odue. If your library does not send a particular level of overdue notice, leave the element blank. For example, if Max Number of Odues is set to 3, enter a value in Time First Odue, Time Second Odue, and Time Third Odue.
- Text First Odue through Text Fifth Odue and Text First OdueR through Text Fifth OdueR. If your library does not send a particular level of overdue notice, leave the element blank. The element that corresponds to the highest level of notice should also be left blank. For example, if Max Number of Odues is set to 3, enter a value in Text First Odue and Text Second Odue.
- Msg Bill.
For example, the following loan rule configuration generates a replacement bill after two overdue notices and a minimum of 35 days:
| Loan Rule Element | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Number of Odues | 3 |
| Time First Odue | 7 |
| Time Second Odue | 14 |
| Time Third Odue | 14 |
| Text First Odue | 27 |
| Text Second Odue | 28 |
| Msg Bill | 29 |
In this example, the patron is billed when you perform the following steps:
- Seven or more days after the item's due date, prepare level 1 or all levels of overdue notices, either manually or via auto notices. The system sends an overdue notice to the patron.
- Fourteen or more days later, prepare level 2 or all levels of overdue notices. The system sends a second overdue notice to the patron.
- Another fourteen or more days later, prepare level 3 or all levels of overdue notices. The system does not send a notice but adds the bill to the patron's record.
- Prepare bills, either manually or via auto notices. The patron receives a bill for the item.