Limits for patron-initiated requesting

The following applies only to libraries that allow patron-initiated requesting in the NHAIS ILL System. Libraries offering this to their patrons have been able to set limits on the number of requests per patron account since this system was launched in 2019. A drawback was that the chosen limit applied to staff-created requests as well. We're now able to have limits apply only to patron-created requests, with no limits for staff.

You can see how your location is configured at Staff Dashboard > ILL Administration > ILL Request Limits. If you see a check mark to the right of Default, no limits have been set.

If you see a number to the right of Default but no Staff entry under Patron Category, that limit reflected by the number applies to all requests at your library.

If you see Staff with the check mark to its right and Default with a number to its right, the limit applies only to requests created with a patron barcode login.

Get in touch with the NHAIS Help Desk (nhu-pac@dncr.nh.gov or 603-271-2141) if you need help getting the settings you want.

Here are details on the 3 types of request limits available:

• number active – sets the maximum number of active ILL requests allowed. A loan (returnable) request is considered active from the time it is submitted until the time that it is placed in Returned status (for filled requests) or has been deleted (for unfilled requests). A copy (non-returnable) request is considered active from the time it is submitted until the time that it is Received by the borrowing library (for filled requests) or has been deleted (for unfilled requests).
• number per week – sets the maximum number of ILL requests that may be submitted during any given week. The count is reset to zero at 12:01 a.m. each Sunday.
• number per month – sets the maximum number of ILL requests that may be submitted during any given month. The count is reset to zero at 12:01 a.m. on the first day of each month.

Note that libraries using the number active option may want to stay on top of deleting Unfilled requests in a timely manner. The system automatically changes Unfilled requests to Expired status once the need-by date has passed and deletes requests in Expired status after a year but your patrons may not want to wait that long before the count of active requests is reset for them. Statistical information associated with a request is retained even after the request is deleted.

[This post edited 9/13/23 to update link.]