Clarify Fines Payment Lock Messaging
The current wording of the fines payment lock messaging implies the presence of fines, which is not always the case and is misleading. To reduce confusion for staff, please change the message wording to indicate that another station has the record open, therefore the fines function in the patron record is locked. This will indicate to staff the reason why it's locked (another station has it open) and what they can't do while it's locked (access the fines function in the patron record).
Bethany Baker
shared this idea
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Anna Pelepchuk
commented
I am in complete agreement with Sarah Kasprzak. This message should only pop up if a staff member is attempting to pay or waive a fine. Otherwise, it is confusing to staff and a nuisance.
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Jennifer Nicolotti
commented
In addition to this, our branch accounts are context accounts, and the override button does not appear for staff logged in on the branch account. We don't want to give the branch accounts the permission for all circ functions, we want to continue using individual override accounts for all process so we have a granular audit log. We also don't want to give the individual accounts access to any workflows as that could get confusing, they are simply for paying or waiving fines. Having the override button appear when logged in as a context user, and allowing staff to sign in with the account with the override permissions like it works for waiving fines would be ideal. The wording is also not helpful and very confusing, as well as the fact it pops up even if the staff member does not want to access the fines tab which, when combined with the confusing wording has caused all kinds of questions.
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Sarah Kasprzak
commented
It would be great to have this message display ONLY if there is an attempt to process a payment. Most regular tasks can be completed within a patron account without clearing the Fines Payment lock and it adds confusion and frustration for staff when this message pops up (repeatedly if you close it without clearing it and proceed to view the patron record). It is great that staff can see this information and have the option to clear the block IF they are attempting to complete a process that would be blocked by it. Otherwise, it isn't helpful as a pop up.
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Jenn Del Cegno
commented
The wording should both be clearer that is appearing because the record patron is open in more than one interface and written in language that is appropriate for the staff end-user.
The users that see this pop-up are circulation staff that can include part-time, student workers, and sub workers. The meaning of warning message and the outcome of confirming OK vs override should be spelled out.
So something like"Patron record is open in another interface ('login detail') and locked from processing payments until 'x date/time'. Confirm OK to proceed or Override to release the payment lock now."
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Nicole Turzillo
commented
The current "record locked" message frequently appears in workflows unrelated to fines, causing ongoing staff confusion.