Home → Item Cataloging and Holdings Management → Transferring Holdings → Dummy Call Numbers
8.4. Dummy Call Numbers
Last Updated 01/02/2026
Creating a Dummy Barcode on a Call Number for Transfers
On This Page
When transferring items between records, a call number is required. Most items have a call number, however, there are two circumstances where a full holdings record can't be transferredand item catalogers need to create a call number prior to transferring the item.
When transferring items between records, a call number is required. Most items have a call number, and the full holdings record may be transferred. However, there are two circumstances where a full holdings record can't be transferred:
- When a call number at one branch has multiple items attached, and only one item needs to be moved to a branch that does not have a call number for that item.
- When a pre-cat item is being attached to its permanent record.
In either case, item catalogers need to create a call number prior to transferring the item.
Access the Holding Editor for a Dummy Item
- In the destination record, click on the Holdings View tab.
- Check the boxes to Show Empty Libs and Show Empty Call Numbers.
- Scope to the branch where the new holdings will live.
- Check the box for the destination branch.
- From the Actions menu, select Add Call Numbers.
This will take you into the holdings editor for a new item attached to the bib record.
Adding the Dummy Item in the Holdings Editor
- Edit the call number to the correct number as it should be.
- Add a dummy (fake) barcode.
- Do not edit any item attributes.
- Click the Apply All, Save & Exit button at the bottom of the page.
The Call Number with a dummy item will now be visible in the Holdings View.
Complete the Transfer
At this point, follow the steps to either transfer the pre-cat item to the correct record (link) or move the single item without it's call number to a different branch (link). The basic process is:
- Locate the newly created call number in the Holdigns View list.
- Check the box to select it.
- From the Actions Menu, choose Mark Library/Call Number as Transfer Destination.
- In the Item Status screen, scan the barcode for the item to be transferred.
- Check the box to select the item from the grid.
- From the Actions menu, choose Transfer Items to Previously Marked Call Number.
Note: When transferring pre-cat items, you will need to navigate to the holdigns editor and apply all the correct item attributes, then check the item in again to make it available.