Return a book

Process returned books at the staff desk.

Where

Front office → Returns

Single return

• Scan the book barcode
• Loan is closed and the copy is available again
• If a patron is waiting (waitlist), their hold becomes "Ready" and they're notified

Batch return

For a stack of returned books:

• Returns → Batch mode
• Scan each barcode in sequence
• All loans close at once
• You see a summary list

Returning the wrong book

If you accidentally returned the wrong book:

• Find the loan in Loans → search by patron or barcode
• Click "Undo return" within 24 hours

After 24 hours, you'll need to manually re-check-out the book.

Damaged or lost on return

If a returned book is damaged:

• Process the return normally
• Then open the copy and mark its condition (Damaged or set to Lost)
• See "Lost or damaged copies"

Holds picked up

When a hold becomes "Ready":

• The patron gets an email immediately
• They have 7 days to pick up (default)
• After 7 days, the hold expires and the next person is notified

Receipts

A return receipt is optional. Configure in Settings → Receipts. Most libraries don't print one (they just hand the book back to the patron).