How to Add a Branch

Summary

At least one branch must be added to the system, as it is a mandatory field on copy records added to the catalog. 

This guide will provide an explanation of the applicable Parameter settings and the steps required to create a branch.
 A separate guide provides the steps required to create Cataloging Groups for those libraries whose registration includes the feature.

Related Parameters

Parameters are accessed via the Management menu option on the main MackinVision Management screen and

should be completed by a staff member with the applicable User Privileges. A fuller explanation of how to edit parameter settings is provided in the Parameters guide.

Parameter No. 1011 - Branch Specific Opening Times. This parameter requires a Yes/No response. 

The setting determines whether:

• Opening hours are subsequently entered against Parameter Nos. 1500-1506, which will then apply across all branches

Or 

• The times for individual branches are different in which case the times are entered on each branch’s Detail record screen.

Choose No if the same opening hours apply to all of your branches. In this instance Parameters 1500-1506 will need to be completed. 

Choose Yes if different opening hours apply to the libraries in your system. In this instance you would enter the times in the Branches > Add screen.

Add a Branch

The Branch Details screen comprises a significant number of fields not all of which are mandatory to complete. For example, if the opening hours are system wide, the Open hours fields in the screen do not require completion as they are set in Parameters. If the Cataloging Groups option is not included in your registration, then the corresponding field does not need to be completed. If In Transit functionality is not activated, the Hold Fulfillment Branches section does not need to be completed.

4. Enter the name of the branch and click the Add button.

5. The Branch Details screen will display.

6. The branch name entered in the popup screen displays in the Term field by default.

The following table provides the name and description of fields, preceding the Open Hours fields, in the Branch Details screen:

Branch Opening Times

Branch opening hours can be set for individual libraries or applied as system wide depending on your requirements. A parameter enables you to apply the option required. If the libraries’ hours are the same, the open hours are added via parameters. For those library systems with branches operating on different opening hours, the hours are added as part of the process of creating each branch.

Open and closed times should be entered using the 24-hour clock format.

The Help text beneath each Open hours field provides information on the format required for the entry of applicable times. For day(s) that the library is closed, the corresponding field should be left blank.

Complete the following fields on the Details screen if they are applicable:

Hold Fulfillment Branches Section

If the library has enabled the In Transit and/or Stock Rotation functionality, complete this section. This ensures the system will email, in a specified order, libraries in the system identified as having a copy of the reserved title available. The staff at the applicable branches that are there can then check the shelves for the copy and send it to the hold’s Pickup Branch. 

1. In the right-hand side list box highlight the branch that is to be the first to be sent an email if it has a currently available item, required by another branch, to fulfill a hold or reservation.

2. Click on the left facing Arrow button to move the branch into the left-hand side list-box.

3. Repeat the process for the next branch to receive an email if the first Branch either does not respond or marks their copy as unavailable.

4. When all branches have been selected and all details completed on the Branches > Edit screen,
   click the Save button.

Cataloging Group Field

Cataloging Group functionality is a registration controlled optional extra. This functionality enables the identification of campus, country, branch, office, or section if call numbers differ depending on the place of cataloging. For example, organizations or offices may be part of a global group, and their location uses a different call number system or use an element in the call number as a means to identify the physical location of their resources.

If your registration includes this function, the Cataloging Group field will display. Click on the down arrow at the end of the field and select the applicable group.