Font size for HOLD SLIPS

The current recommendation for font size (as per the Trainer's Meeting June 20th) is:
18 Verdana for HOLD SLIPS
11 Verdana for PATRON RECEIPTS
Depending on the branch set-up, this could mean resetting the font size
while processing the shipment holds.
Checking in materials during the day, at a terminal that is also used for
PATRON CHECKOUTS, will result HOLD SLIPS printed in 11 Verdana.
In YP at BI we currently have this situation.
Presently, we just turn the 11 Verdana slips 90 degrees left and write the
first 3 letters of the last name (we always do this anyway). The slips are a little
short, but the full name usually shows. These slips do not seem that bad to me.
I'd be interested to know other points of view!
Susan B. @ BIYP

Font size for hold slips

A font size of 18 regular will print a hold slip on which the last name will always print to the left of the slip, with the exception of three-letter surnames. This should make uniformity easier when placing the hold slip in the book or media item, and easier reading on the holds shelves.

Change Hold Location items on POSH

I just discovered this by accident: I had a DVD on my POSH that I couldn't find, so I marked it missing. Later on, purely by accident, I found the item on the holds shelf. I checked Item Status and, indeed, it was marked missing, but the hold was for the same person, different branch. There was no indication on the POSH that the item would be anywhere except DVD-Adult. So, if you can't find an item on the POSH and it's last discharge date (shown on POSH) is recent, check for the item on your hold shelf under the same name that the new hold is for. When you are ready to mark the item missing, after you enter the barcode and hit "Mark Item Missing" you will get an override message saying that the item is on hold for so-and-so. Before overriding, check your holds shelf to see if the item is there under the name of so-and-so. It just might be there.

Placing holds - current title

When you look up an item, then try to place it on hold for a patron, the item will not carry forward as the "current item" unless you have clicked on "detailed display." So, to place a hold:
1. Look up the item.
2. Click on "detailed display" - don't just highlight it in the list.
3. Click "Place hold" wizard, enter patron's card #.
4. The item should show up as the "current item" and you don't have to search for it again.

Suspended Holds

The following question came to me through email, I am sharing my answer.

A year? Why would someone want to suspend their holds that long?

Good question. Most patrons would not suspend a hold for that long, it would count as one of their fifty holds. This is just an option we are offering to patrons as a way to manage their hold list. In Dynix days I would often place a new title on hold that I did not need until fall (pruning). When patrons are reading a series they could place the entire series on hold then activate them as they read them. No lists to keep or holds to keep replacing.

Thank you for asking, I am going to post this question on the Sirsi Blog where other staff might want to contribute a comment.

My hold is at the wrong branch

If a patrons hold is at the wrong branch and they decide they don't want it anymore, [after removing hold] do we call that branch? or will it show up on the "clean holds shelf" the next day? Thanks, dc