HIGH-DEMAND HOLDS
This Sierra function is designed to alert staff whenever a title in the catalog has reached or exceeded the hold threshold set in the software. The hold threshold is defined as a ratio of holds in the system to items in the system. For example, if the hold threshold was set at 5 then whenever there were more than 5 holds per item that title would appear on the High-Demand Holds list. So if there were 18 holds on a title and 3 copies of that title owned, the title would appear on the list (more than 5 holds per item). If another copy was addedthe title would not appear (less than 5 holds per item).
The High-Demand Holds list is accessed in the Function drop down.
When you click on this function, Sierra gives you the option of running the list for the whole consortium – System-Wide Thresholds – or for one library only – Selected Pickup Location. For collection development purposes it’s best to run the system-wide report. This shows you what’s popular throughout WRLSWEB and what titles need more copies. To see the needs within your own collection, the selected locations report will show what titles your patrons are requesting that are above the threshold.
Below is a portion of a report run using the system-wide thresholds. The System Holds column lists the total number of holds in the system for all patrons in WRLSWEB. The System Items column displays the total number of items held by all libraries in WRLSWEB. (NOTE: If the System Items column shows a zero (0) it usually means the title is on order).
For collection development purposes, if you see a high holds to copies ratio this is a good item to consider for purchase. In the list above, entry #5, there are 117 holds and only 14 copies. If you see and entry like this, and don’t have a copy of already, you should strongly consider buying at least one.
Below is a portion of a list run for a selected pickup location.
Notice the addition of columns for Local Holds and Local Items. On this report, ‘Local’ means pickup location, but for most WRLSWEB members the library and pickup location are the same.
In entry #7 above, even though there are 31 copies in the system, this particular library has 9 holds from their patrons for the one copythey own. That is a flag that the library should consider purchasing another copy.
The High-Demand Holds function can be an invaluable collection development tool. If used properly and consistently it can be a great help in reducing wait times for in-demand titles.
Sierra: High-Demand Holds / September 2015 Page1 | 3