Summary: | Allow definition of non-hierarchical linked patron accounts | ||
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Product: | Koha | Reporter: | Andrew Fuerste-Henry <andrew> |
Component: | Patrons | Assignee: | Bugs List <koha-bugs> |
Status: | NEW --- | QA Contact: | Testopia <testopia> |
Severity: | enhancement | ||
Priority: | P5 - low | CC: | gmcharlt, kyle.m.hall, lucas, phillip.berg |
Version: | Main | ||
Hardware: | All | ||
OS: | All | ||
GIT URL: | Change sponsored?: | --- | |
Patch complexity: | --- | Documentation contact: | |
Documentation submission: | Text to go in the release notes: | ||
Version(s) released in: | Circulation function: |
Description
Andrew Fuerste-Henry
2025-04-16 17:00:37 UTC
Library patrons may qualify for different levels of library service in multiple library services areas. For example, one might live in one town, own a vacation property elsewhere, and work yet somewhere else. Each of those libraries have certain materials/services that they only allow local card-holders to access, thus why some people receive multiple cards. This is more prevalent in some cooperatives/consortia representing many tax districts, municipalities, and counties via a single instance of the ILS. The guarantee/guarantor function is great for family dynamics, but does not work for individuals who possess two, three, or more total library cards (each at different libraries). Choosing which library card in these situations should be the guarantor is awkward at best and politically charged at worst. We also don't want a situation where a patron tries to game the system by running up huge bills on each account without an auto-block coming into play. Having the ability to simply connect multiple patron accounts together to better manage that person's library privileges, usage, and restrictions is vital to keeping a harmonious relationship between libraries. This change would not remove or force any Koha libraries to abandon the guarantee/guarantor functionality. We just need to add another option. |