display patron message (non-marc field in Sierra)
Sierra has a non-MARC field in the patron record that is used by staff to communicate relevant, timely information to a patron within the context of their catalogue activity. This is a free text field. It used to display in Encore.
Why this is helpful for library?
1) we developed workflows that include this field
2) Messages could alert patrons to issues such as an expired card, account restrictions, required updates, or other actions they need to take.
Why is this helpful for the library user?
1) Messages can be targeted to a specific patron rather than displayed as a general announcement.
2) The message appears while they are searching, placing holds, or managing their account, when the information is most relevant.
3) Patrons can receive important information directly without needing to contact the library.
4) Important information doesn't have to rely solely on email, phone notices, or staff communication.
5) Patrons who do not regularly read email or receive notices through other channels can still encounter important information while using the catalogue.
Elizabeth Wright
shared this idea
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Elizabeth Wright
commented
Absolutely Alison - this could be optional. The bottom line is that we have no way to communicate with our individual library users. We could in Encore. Perhaps many libraries don't have a reason to reach out to an individual, but for those that do, any kind of solution would suffice.
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Alison Pruntel
commented
Ideally we can enable/disable vs. having it automatically display. I think displaying the messages is actually a very helpful feature (cannot remember this in Encore, doesn't seem to display in Sierra WebPAC), but as I'm spot checking our records, it appears that staff are treating both the NOTE and MESSAGE field as one and the same. Ideally they'd have staff only things in NOTE and MESSAGE would be maybe time-sensitive and/or something that it's okay for the patron to see, if this enhancement makes it through.
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Elizabeth Wright
commented
I see that Automatically add date/timestamp to Notes and Messages has been added to Sierra 7.1!! Unfortunately, we have no way of displaying any Patron Notes or Patron messages in Vega Discover - please add!!