Define Groups of Locations for Hold Pickups in Koha

by Jessie Zairo on Nov 17, 2020

Koha's 20.05 release introduces a new feature in Library Groups where you can define pickup locations by groups. This new feature adds a checkbox to Library Groups to define 'local hold groups'. Koha administrators can then define 'local hold groups' within Koha's Administration › Circulation and fine rules. A new option for Default checkout, hold and return policy and Default holds policy by item type can be selected from the Hold Policy dropdown menu.

This new feature was Sponsored by the Vermont Organization of Koha Automated Libraries (VOKAL).

Library Groups can serve four purposes: to limit access to patron data, to limit OPAC searches, to limit staff searches, and/or to define holds behavior.

Read more about Using Library Groups in Koha.

Defining Holds in Library Groups

1. Login to Koha.
2. Click on Administration › Library groups.
3. After you have defined your library groups (Using Library Groups in Koha).
4. Check the box for Is Local hold group for the group(s) you want to be defined.
5. Click update.

Defining Circulation and Fines Rules

When you are defining your circulation and fine rules, you will either want to set your rules from the library pull down. Remember ‘Standard rules for all libraries’ if you want to apply these rules to all branches or select a specific location from the library dropdown.

1. Click on Administration › Circulation and fine rules.
2. Select ALL Libraries or select the branch for specific rules.
3. If you want to set a default maximum number of checkouts, hold and return policy, scroll down to Default checkout, hold and return policy.
   1. Under Hold policy, click on from local hold group
   2. click save
4. If you only want patrons from libraries in the same item's home library hold groups may put an item on hold, to Scroll down to Default holds policy by item type.
   1. Under Hold policy, click on from local hold group
   2. click add

Default checkout, hold and return policy

Default holds policy by item type

Local Holds Group Scenario

In the screenshot below you will see Patron: Tyco Bass (88) can't place a hold on the item from the East Branch. We have a group defined for local holds at West and North Branch. Tyco is from the North Branch so the options allow for holds only from West and North (group defined).

More 20.05 Resources

Koha: 20.05 Upgrade Notes

For a full list of 20.05 Patron and Circulation features and enhancements, see the full blog post:

20.05 Patrons and Circulation