What does "Recently Returned" mean?

Occasionally, items will appear in Polaris with a status of "Recently Returned."  This is done to help staff identify items that have been checked, but may not have been shelved yet.  Although the status displays as "Recently Returned," the items will act similar to an item with the status "Available."

The shelving status will display in the PAC, lists of linked item records, in the Find Tool, and in item record sets.  The shelving status does not display in the item record itself.

How long does an item say Recently Returned?

The length of time that an item will display "Recently Returned" depends on the item's Assigned Branch and Material Type. Each library can configure the length of time the item displays this status for each Material Type in the system.  For most material types, libraries have selected:

The shelving status period is calculated based on the hours that the library is open. For example, if the shelving status period is set for 24 hours, the Recently Returned status remains in effect for 24 open hours after the item is checked in (not 24 continuous hours). Days closed are also taken into account.

Other Factors that Can Modify the Expiration Time

• If the item is checked in 3 hours before closing time, the shelving status expiration is calculated at the beginning of the next open day.
• If the same item is checked in an additional time, the expiration clock is reset.