Notify Via Field Usage

In testing of the SVA server we noticed some inconsistencies with how people are filling out the Notify Via field in extended information. It is important that this field be filled out correctly so that the notices can get to the patrons in the timeliest manner. We want to remind everyone that this info is covered in the Circ Manual and needs to be followed if your library intends on using SVA to notify your patrons. The first thing is what actually goes in the field.

There are only three responses that should be in the Notify Via field. They are: PHONE, EMAIL, or PAPER. They must be in all caps also. We’ve see many variations, most are probably typos. Phone or phone or even PHNE these are easy to make and easy to fix. In fact Kim has graciously fixed all of those by the time you read this so you do not need to worry about what’s happened in the past, only going forward. You need to make sure your staff knows how to fill out this field.

The other thing we noticed is random words in the field, NA, ?, MAILO (is that a word). Also we had several CELL, WORK and HOME. Those will not work in that field. If the patron wants to be notified on their cell phone then you put their cell phone in the HOMEPHONE field and set Notify Via to PHONE. If you absolutely must have their home phone as well you can add a line to the end of address 1 and make that PHONE and put their home telephone number in there. As we mentioned at a previous director’s meeting the fields in Address 1, 2, and 3 are set by the system and must remain that way but you can add other fields to the bottom and name them what ever is in the drop down list. Except, do not use HOMEPHONE. Think of that one as “SVA calls this number.”

So to review, only, PHONE, EMAIL, PAPER go in the Notify Via field. The SVA server will do its things based on those three and only three combinations of letters that are all in capital letters. EMAIL will go to the address in the Address Email field. PHONE calls will be made to what ever phone number is in the HOMEHONE field. So, if your patron wants to be notified at work then put their work phone in that field and add a field at the end of address 1 for PHONE and put their home phone number their. If you have an questions please email us.