LOST-CLAIM

Marking items LOST-CLAIM

This procedure is to occur when a patron tells the library that they have lost an item.

Staff should refer to their branch’s procedures (encourage patron to look for the items, renew item if possible, etc.). However, if the patron believes that tBold texthey have irrecoverably lost the item, staff should initiate the procedure below.

This procedure is only used if the patron does not have a LOST bill for the item as a result of the 3rd Overdue process.

• Do not discharge the item.
• Confirm in the patron’s account that a LOST bill has not already been issued.
• In the Circulation module, in the Items section, use User Claims Lost.
• Either enter the Item ID, or use the User Checkouts search feature at the top of the form.
• Click the Mark Item Lost button.
• The Billing for Lost Item / Processing Fee screen appears

• The Lost Item dollar amount comes from the item record. If there is no price in the item record, the system default price appears. If the system default price doesn’t seem appropriate, seek guidance from a superior.
• The Processing Fee should remain blank.
  • Bill User - Click if the patron is going to pay later.
  • Pay Now - Be sure to set the Payment Type appropriately first!
  • Cancel Lost Item Bill - Do not use! The LOST-CLAIM process has already begun "behind the scenes" for this item.

After the patron pays the Lost Item bill, it is customary to Cancel the Overdue Bill created during this process (if it exists) [check this CFE].

As a result of the above process, the system will:

• Generate a LOST bill for the patron (and mark it as paid if applicable).
• Shadow the item in the catalog to prevent holds from being placed on this item.
• Change item’s current location from CHECKEDOUT to LOST-CLAIM.
• [Does it mark it as not circable? Does it get put in transit? CFE]

The Branch manager will be notified by monthly report and will decide if item will be replaced. If not, an IT monthly procedure will remove the item from the catalog.