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1.7. Hold Notifications
Last Updated 06/01/2026
Setting Default Hold Notifications
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Patrons many select a default method of recieving notifications about available holds. Notifications may be sent automatically via email or text message. Patrons may also elect to be called, but library staff will have to place the calls directly. Default notification preferences may be set or modified in the OPAC or staff client. Patrons may change their preferences for individual holds while retaining their default preferences at the time of placing a hold, or for selected holds after they have been requested.
Patrons may elect to be notified automaticlly when a hold is available by either:
- Text (SMS) message
Patron may also request a phone call, but phone calls are not made automatically and must be placed by library staff.
Setting Notifications in the Staff Client
Patron default notification settings can be set in the staff client
Setting Notifications in the OPAC
In Evergreen, patrons can set up their default holds notification method in the Account Preferences area of My Account.
Patrons with a default notification preference for phone will see their phone number at the time they place a hold. The checkboxes for email and phone notification will also automatically be checked (if an email or phone number has been assigned to the account).
- The patron can remove these checkmarks at the time they place the hold or they can enter a different phone number if they prefer to be contacted at a different number. The patron cannot change their e-mail address at this time.
- When the hold becomes available, the holds slip will display the patron’s e-mail address only if the patron selected the Notify by Email by default when a hold is ready for pickup? checkbox. It will display a phone number only if the patron selected the Notify by Phone by default when a hold is ready for pickup? checkbox.
If the patron changes their contact telephone number when placing the hold, this phone number will display on the holds slip. It will not necessarily be the same phone number contained in the patron’s record.
Changing Notification Preferences
Patrons may want to be notified differently than usual for some holds. For example, a patron expecting a hold to arrive while on vacation may prefer a text message, even though their default is set to email. In these cases, the hold notification may be changed at the time of placing the hold, or after a hold has been placed, but before it has arrived at the pickup library. Changing the hold notification preference on a single hold will not change the default preference.
When Placing the Hold Request
- Click the Place Hold button, or select the option from the action menu in a list or basket.
- Check the box for the new notification preference in the Place Hold interface.
- Submit the correct phone number if selecting text messaging.
- Uncheck the default selection if you don't want to be notified by that method at all.
- Click the Green Submit button.
Note: While staff or patrons may select or de-select email as a one-time notification change when placing the hold, the email address itself must be edited from within the patron account information (My Account>Account Preferences in the OPAC or Patron Account>Edit tab from teh staff client).
After Placing the Hold Request
From the OPAC
- Click on My Account.
- Navigate into the Holds tab.
- Locate the hold to change in the grid and click the Edit link in the far-right column.
- Check or uncheck the Email notification box. Add the number to call or text as needed. If changing to a text notificaiton, select any carrier.
- Click Submit.
From the Staff Client
- Open the patron's account.
- Navigate to the Holds tab.
- Check the box to select the hold to change.
- From the Actions menu select Edit Notification Settings.
- Check the box the fields to be changed.
- Enter a phone number if necessary.