For libraries with floating collections, the branch where an item is marked Claimed Returned may not be reflected in the item record. This is because none of the three Claimed Returned options update the item's location.

Example

An item is checked out from Location A.

The patron reports returning it to Location B, and staff mark it Claimed Returned at Location B.
The item record still shows Location A.

When marking an item Claimed Returned, staff have three options:

1.Add a Claimed Returned note to both the item and patron records.
2.Remove the checkout link between the patron and the item (equivalent to clearing the checkout without charging a fine). Staff can manually apply a charge if needed.
3.Mark the item as Missing (Status = 'm') and cancel any outstanding holds.

Important: In option 2, the item is not actually checked in. The system simply removes the connection between the patron and the item, so no check-in transaction occurs and the item's location is not updated.

Why this matters

Libraries with floating collections allow patrons to return items to any branch. If a patron returns an item to a different branch than where it was checked out and staff later mark it Claimed Returned, the item record continues to show the original checkout location. As a result, staff have no indication of the branch where the item was reportedly returned, making the item much more difficult to locate.