Monday Minutes: Holds Queue

by Kelly McElligott on Feb 26, 2024

In this week's Monday Minutes, Kelly and Jessie talk about the Holds Queue report. The Holds Queue report is used by multi-branch libraries to manage the filling of holds in the library system.

Holds Queue System Preferences

There are a few system preferences that work with the holds queue as well as a cron job. So for libraries that are not utilizing this feature, please make sure you start your Holds Queue cron. If you are a ByWater Partner, submit a ticket for this process.

HoldsQueuePrioritzeBranch-The holds queue should prioritize filling a hold by matching the patron's home library with an item having a matching (home/holding branch).

A library can decide to either match the home branch or the holding branch of the item with this system preference.

RealtimeHoldsQueue- if enabled, this will run the holds queue in real-time. (this requires an additional piece of the holds queue cron to be turned on)

The last one (or really 3) system preference, the ability of a library system to determine what libraries will be filling the holds, in what order the holds will be filled, and whether or not to look at the calendar for open libraries:

StaticHoldsQueueWeight
HoldsQueueSkipClosed
RandomizeHoldsQueueWeight

The Koha Manual is also a great resource for additional information about these system preferences.

Running the Holds Queue

To run the Holds Queue report,

1. Go to Circulation > Holds Queue

2. From here, this report will default to the branch you are logged in at, additional filters can be used to only see a specific item type, shelving location, or collection code when running the report.

3. The report can be re-organized using the column arrows, if a different order is desired.

4. This report can be printed using the Export button on the far right of the screen.

Additional Resources

Holds to Pull