Skip to main content
Version: ILLiad 10.0 (Pre-release) 🚧

Web Client Circulation

The Circulation page in the ILLiad Web Client provides a streamlined interface for managing physical material transactions. Similar to Web Circ in previous versions, it allows staff to quickly process check-outs, check-ins, renewals, and status updates.

Accessing the Circulation Page

Navigate to the Circulation page through the main navigation menu in the Web Client.

Page Layout

The Circulation page consists of two main sections:

  1. Input Fields (Left side): Fields for scanning barcodes and selecting operations
  2. Transaction Table (Right side): Displays results of scanned transactions

Available Operations

The Circulation page supports the following operations for physical materials:

Check Out

Process a request for patron pickup, marking it as checked out to the user.

Check In

Record the return of a physical item from a patron.

Renew

Extend the checkout period for a currently checked-out item.

Mark Received

Indicate that requested material has been received from the lending library.

Mark Returned

Mark that borrowed material has been returned to the lending library.

Using the Circulation Page

Basic Workflow

  1. Select the desired operation (Check Out, Check In, Renew, Mark Received, or Mark Returned)
  2. Optionally, enter text in the Notes field if you want to add a note to the transaction
  3. Scan or enter the Transaction Number (TN) barcode
  4. Review the result in the Transaction Table

Transaction Number (TN) Entry

Scanning:

  • Use a barcode scanner to scan the TN barcode on the physical material or request slip
  • The system will automatically process the transaction after scanning

Manual Entry:

  • Type the Transaction Number directly into the field
  • Press Enter or click the appropriate button to process

Adding Notes to Transactions

The Notes field allows you to add contextual information to any transaction:

  1. Enter text in the Notes field before scanning or entering a TN
  2. When a TN is processed, the note text will be automatically added to that transaction
  3. Notes are useful for documenting:
    • Condition of materials
    • Special handling instructions
    • Communication with patrons
    • Issues or concerns
tip

The Notes field persists between scans, so remember to clear it if you don't want the same note applied to multiple transactions.

Transaction Table

The Transaction Table appears on the right side of the page and displays information about each processed transaction.

Table Contents

For each scanned transaction, the table displays:

  • Transaction Number: The TN that was processed
  • Operation: The action that was performed (Check Out, Check In, etc.)
  • Status: Whether the operation was successful or encountered an issue
  • Message: Details about the transaction result
  • Action Buttons: Override buttons when applicable (see below)

Success Messages

When an operation completes successfully, the table will display:

  • A confirmation message
  • Transaction details
  • Any relevant status updates

Warnings and Override Functionality

Some operations may require staff intervention before completing. In these cases, the Transaction Table will display:

  • A warning message explaining the issue
  • An Override button that must be clicked to proceed with the operation

Common Override Scenarios

Blocked Users:

  • When attempting to check out material to a user with blocks or restrictions
  • The warning will indicate the reason for the block
  • Staff can review the situation and click Override to proceed if appropriate

Other Validation Issues:

  • Expired patron accounts
  • Maximum checkout limits reached
  • Overdue materials
  • Other policy violations
Important

Only use the Override function when you have verified that it is appropriate to bypass the warning. Override actions may require special permissions depending on your institution's configuration.

Best Practices

Efficient Processing

  1. Pre-select the operation you'll be performing most frequently
  2. Use barcode scanners for faster, more accurate TN entry
  3. Review the Transaction Table after each scan to confirm success
  4. Clear the Notes field when no longer needed

Error Handling

  1. Read warning messages carefully before using Override
  2. Document unusual situations using the Notes field
  3. Contact patrons when issues arise during circulation transactions
  4. Verify patron information before overriding blocks or warnings

Notes Usage

  1. Be concise but descriptive in notes
  2. Document special circumstances that might be important later
  3. Include relevant details such as damaged materials or missing pages
  4. Clear notes regularly to avoid accidentally applying old notes to new transactions

Differences from Desktop Client

While the Web Client Circulation page provides similar functionality to the desktop client, there are some differences in the interface:

  • Streamlined layout optimized for browser use
  • Responsive design that works on various screen sizes
  • Transaction history visible in the table for the current session
  • Modern UI elements following current web standards

The underlying functionality and transaction processing remain consistent with the desktop client, ensuring familiar workflows for staff.