Adding New System Codes to Polaris

Created by Matt Hammermeister, Modified on Fri, 9 Sep, 2022 at 2:37 PM by Matt Hammermeister

This document outlines the process necessary to add new odes to Polaris. all codes need approval from the relevant stakeholders before being added to the system. After approval, codes are added by Pinnacle staff.

Type of Code	Background	Approval Needed From	Approval Process
Branch	Branches are generally used for physical library locations or hold pickup locations	Pinnacle staff	Contact Pinnacle staff to coordinate specific needs of the new branch.
Collection	Collections are intended to have broad applicability for multiple libraries. For other situations, consider Statistical Code or Shelf Location.	PinTech	PinTech can discuss/approve at a regular meeting or via email.
Fine Code	Fine codes affect circulation policy, so approval is needed from multiple sources. In PIRC, all libraries will need to determine the fine amount and the grace period for the new code for each branch. In PinTech, all libraries will determine which items will use the new code.	PIRC PinTech Pinnacle GB	A new Fine Code request can originate in either the PIRC or PinTech committees before being sent to the other for approval. Once both committees have approved, create a recommendation for the Pinnacle GB to vote on.
Item Statistical Code	Statistical codes are library-specific, so these are generally approved without modification. When multiple libraries have similar materials, consistency in Stat Code usage is encouraged.	PinTech	PinTech can discuss/approve at a regular meeting or via email.
Loan Period Code	Loan Period Codes affect circulation policy so approval is needed from multiple sources. In PIRC, all libraries will determine the loan length of the new code for their branches. In PinTech, all libraries will determine which materials will use the code.	PIRC PinTech Pinnacle GB	A new Loan Period Code request can originate in either the PIRC or PinTech committees before being sent to the other for approval. Once both committees have approved, create a recommendation for the Pinnacle GB to vote on.
Material Type	Material Types affect circulation policy so approval is needed from multiple sources. In PIRC, all libraries will determine checkout limits and self-check settings of the new code. In PinTech, all libraries will determine which materials will use the code.	PIRC PinTech Pinnacle GB	A new Material Type request can originate in either the PIRC or PinTech committees before being sent to the other for approval. Once both committees have approved, create a recommendation for the Pinnacle GB to vote on.
Patron Code	Patron Codes affect circulation policy, so approval from the board is required. When adding the code, PIRC will consider the appropriate fines, loan periods, and checkout limits for all libraries.	PIRC Pinnacle GB	PIRC can discuss/approve a new Patron Code at a regular meeting or via email. Once the code has been agreed upon, create a formal recommendation for the Pinnacle GB to vote on.
Patron Custom Data Field	Patron Custom Data Fields are optional fields to be used in patron registration. They are system-wide fields, but each library can determine whether or not they use the field.	PIRC	PIRC can discuss/approve Patron Custom Data Fields at a regular meeting or via email.
Shelf Location	Shelf Locations are library-specific, so these are generally approved. When multiple libraries have similar materials, consistency in Shelf Location usage is encouraged.	PinTech	PinTech can discuss/approve at a regular meeting or via email.