Koha Question of the Week: What is an On-Shelf Hold?

by Kelly McElligott on Apr 15, 2022

Each Friday, we will bring you a new Koha Question of the Week. We will select real questions that we receive and share the answers with you!

Question: What is an On-Shelf Hold?

Answer: An On-Shelf hold is a hold that is placed by a patron or staff for an item that is currently available and on the shelf.

Circulation Rules

A library can choose what item types and/or patron categories have the ability to place "On Shelf Holds". These options exist within the Circulation and Fine Rule Matrix (under Administration).

With each rule in the circulation and fine rule matrix, there is a column (one of a lot) that is called "On Shelf Holds", and the library has 1 of 3 options to choose from.

Yes: Always allow on-shelf holds

If any unavailable: Only allow on-shelf holds if at least one item is unavailable

If all unavailable: Only allow on-shelf holds if *all* items are unavailable

Additional Resources

More information can be found about the Circulation Rule Matrix:

Monday Minutes: Circulation Rules

Monday Minutes: Circulation Rules Default Values

Monday Minutes: Circulation Rules for Multi-Branch Systems