There are several types of messages available for staff to leave notes on patron records.

Patron Notes: These notes are added via Other → Notes in the patron record, and create a clickable (See Notes) message beneath the patron name on the patron record screen. These notes can be viewable by staff only or shared with the patron. Staff initials can be required. (See the section Patron Notes for more.)

Patron Alerts: This type of alert is added via Edit button in the patron record. It creates a non-blocking alert message which displays when the patron is retrieved. It also creates a clickable (Alert) message beneath the patron name on the patron record screen. There is currently no way to require staff initials for this type of alert. (See the section Patron Alerts for more.)

Staff-Generated Penalties/Messages: These messages are added via the Messages button in the patron record. They can be a note, alert or block. Staff initials can be required. (See the section Staff-Generated Penalties/Messages for more.)

Patron Message Center: The Patron Message Center provides a way for libraries to communicate with patrons through messages that can be accessed through the patron’s OPAC account. Library staff can create messages manually by adding an OPAC visible Patron Note to an account. Messages can also be automatically generated through an Action Trigger event. Patrons can access and manage messages within their OPAC account. (See the section the section called “Creating a Patron Message in the Patron Account” for more.)