When configuring circulation settings, start with your organization’s circulation policies rather than the software itself. Once your local rules are clearly defined, you can determine how FOLIO will execute them.
To translate your library’s needs into FOLIO, start by asking key policy questions:
| Local Policy Question | FOLIO Mapping & Parameters |
|---|---|
| What do you want to circulate, and to whom? |
Patron & Item Parameters: • Patron Group (single or multiple) • Item Location (shelving location, library, or campus) • Loan Type • Material Type |
| Should items be requestable online or checkout-only in person? | Request Policy |
| How long is the checkout period, and are renewals allowed? | Loan Policy |
| What communications should patrons receive? | Notice Policy |
| Are overdue fines charged? | Overdue Fine Policy |
| When and how much are patrons billed for lost items? | Lost Item Fee Policy |
Consider a library with the following rules:
Each combination of Patron + Item + Location maps to a distinct set of policies:
Breaking down circulation workflows into discrete elements makes it straightforward to structure your final FOLIO loan rules.