Expand Scope of Active Balance
As new Alma users, we struggle with Alma’s use of the Fulfillment term ‘Active Balance.’ This is the balance owing that is displayed at the top of the Patron Services screen for each user. We find the term ‘Active Balance’ to be a bit of a misnomer because it only reflects fines/fees for closed transactions as listed under a patron’s Fines and Fees tab – leaving out currently accruing fines for overdue items (support case 00673063) and accruing fines for unpaid items declared lost (support case 00667631).
The current display puts front line circulation desk operators at a bit of a disadvantage when a user asks them to provide a total amount owing on the spot. Likewise, patron facing Fines\Fees Notification and Borrowing Activity letters reflect the ‘active balance’ as stated in the Fines and Fees Summary, and leave out currently accruing fines for overdue and unpaid lost items.
We would like to propose that the Patron Services screen display a more complete ‘Active balance’ that reflects all amounts owing -- ie., applied fines from Fines & Fees tab + currently accruing overdue amounts. The ‘Active Balance’ should change daily as additional charges are accrued, paid or waived, etc. Supporting Fines/Fees Notification and Borrowing Activity letters should reflect this broader focus.