Using the request rule File

Innovative configures the request rule file when your library sets up automatic request processing. To modify this file, contact Innovative or edit the request rules using the Advanced System Access and Administration feature.

The request rule file contains a list of fixed-length field values in bibliographic, item, and order records that identify materials that patrons cannot request, along with messages to display when patrons attempt to request these materials. The system uses this file to block patron-placed holds without first requiring a patron to verify.

You can view these rules with the REQUEST RULES system option in Admin Corner.

The following examples are frequently used request rule conditions and messages:

Condition	Message
Bibliographic records must have an attached item record to be requested.	Sorry, this title is not requestable.
Block requests for items that are not checked out.	You cannot request items that are available.
Block requests for items with item location reference.	Reference material cannot be requested.
Block requests for items with a particular STATUS code.	Sorry, billed items cannot be requested.
Block title-level holds when an order has been cancelled.	Sorry, cancelled orders are unavailable for request.
Block requests for material with item record status of 'm'.	Sorry, item is missing.

Note that the request rule file can store a maximum of thirty rules. However, when creating a rule and its corresponding message, Innovative can specify that the rule block holds for one or more of the fixed-length field's valid values. For example, you can ask Innovative to create the following rule and message:

Condition	Message
Block requests for material with item record status of 'm' or 'r'.	Sorry, item not available.

This single rule effectively blocks holds for two categories of items: missing items (status 'm') and items in repair (status 'r').

Alternatively, the library could ask Innovative to create the following two rules, each with a unique message:

Condition	Message
Block requests for material with item record status of 'm'.	Sorry, item is missing.
Block requests for material with item record status of 'r'.	Sorry, item is in repair.

These two rules will each result in a unique message even though both rules pertain to the same fixed-length field.