Currently, when placing a hold on the OPAC the pickup location defaults to users branch, unless OPACHoldsIfAvailableAtPickup is set to 'don't allow'. Many libraries like to force the user to make a branch selection and make this field required. This can be done with JS but it would be nice if it was a system preference. I'd like to see a system preference like 'OPACHoldBranchMandatory' which would add an empty value like: <option val="">--Please choose--</option> and upon submission check to make sure something besides the empty value is selected.
I'm curious, what is the motivation for forcing patrons to select a library? Under what circumstances is the user's home library not an appropriate default?
(In reply to Owen Leonard from comment #1) > I'm curious, what is the motivation for forcing patrons to select a library? > Under what circumstances is the user's home library not an appropriate > default? Some librarians in multi-branch systems want users to consciously make a decision about where they will pickup the hold.
I can see the utility of forcing a choice. As Lucas says, I've talked to libraries that want this. If we're creating a new syspref and monkeying with this field, could we go a step further and make the syspref something like OPACHoldPickupDefault with the options (Patron home library / Item home library / Item holding library / Force a choice).
(In reply to Andrew Fuerste-Henry from comment #3) > I can see the utility of forcing a choice. As Lucas says, I've talked to > libraries that want this. > > If we're creating a new syspref and monkeying with this field, could we go a > step further and make the syspref something like OPACHoldPickupDefault with > the options (Patron home library / Item home library / Item holding library > / Force a choice). +1, I like this.