In our 21-branch library system, staff need the ability to mark items as Damaged or Missing—even if the item is not owned or assigned to their specific branch. Currently, the process requires multiple logins and workstation changes, creating inefficiencies that impact service.

We've encountered lots of item management issues since migrating from SirsiDynix Symphony. Most recent issue was with handling lost-and-returned items. Specifically, when a customer returns a lost item to a branch that does not own it, and the item is damaged, staff struggle to process it effectively. Our policy requires holding damaged items for six months in case of customer complaints, meaning the item’s location must be correctly reflected in the ILS.

Right now, to update the item's status as damaged and ensure it remains at the non-owning branch, staff must complete several steps:

1. Check in the item—its status changes to In-Transit.
2. Log out.
3. Log in under the owning branch.
4. Check in the item—the status changes to Available.
5. Log out again.
6. Log back into the branch where the item was returned.
7. Check it in as Damaged.

While we recognize that there’s an option to prevent items from automatically being placed In-Transit, we believe disabling this setting would require additional clicks for all check-ins, which may not be ideal.

We'd love the ability for all staff to be able to update circulation status regardless of owning or assigned branch OR be able to set the owning branch to System level and have the guide this permission.