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    Web OPAC Special Request vs Acquisition Request

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    • Article Type: General
    • Product: Aleph
    • Product Version: 20

    Description:
    What is the difference between the web OPAC Special Request and the Acquisition Request?

    Resolution:
    The Special Request function lets the patron place special requests for items that are not found in the Web OPAC, but that are listed in the card catalog. The link for making a special request is displayed in the menu bar if the patron's patron profile includes permission for placing a special request. The library processes the request, fetches the item, and delivers it to the patron, if it is available. It has no connection to Acquisitions.

    The Acquisition Request function is a newer version, similar to the Special Request function. It can be used to:
    * request a nonperiodical item that was not found in the online catalog or is missing from the shelf.
    * allow a patron who has performed a search in the local or external database and found the material in question, submit an acquisition request for the found title.

    An ACQ Request form is opened with the BIB information already populated in the form.

    Prerequisites for Patron Record
    In order to allow a patron to submit an ACQ request via the OPAC, the patron must have the followings settings in the patron record:
    * Acquisition Request permission in the patron's profile record.
    * Patron Home Library must be populated with a valid sublibrary code.

    This procedure creates 3 ALEPH records for an item:
    * Item Record
    * BIB Record
    * Hold Request

    It can check for local ownership

    Once an ACQ Request is successfully submitted, the system creates a new order record for the requested title. If there are existing BIB and ADM records for the title, the system will append the order record. If there are no BIB or ADM records for the title, the system creates new BIB/ADM record.
    The newly created order will be populated with the following information:
    * Order status = OPAC New Order (ONW)
    * Order sublibrary field = Patron home library
    * Order Initiator ID field = patron that submitted the ACQ Request

    The GUI-ACQ-Order Index enables retrieving orders with ONW status. The ONW orders are initially created with minimum information. The orders will
    lack information (like Vendor details). Staff users are expected to review those orders, verify them, and process the order.

    • Article last edited: 10/8/2013