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Access Services

A centralized repository of procedures and instructions for workers at the circulation desk.

Where do student records come from?

Student records in Alma are created and maintained regularly using what is called a "patron load" of files from Banner.  The systems librarian runs this job frequently - even daily, particularly at the beginning of the semester - but every so often a student comes in to borrow library materials before their record exists in Alma.  When this happens, a little red box will pop up with the message "Patron was not found."   But don't panic!  We have a process for that.

Students WITHOUT records in Alma - Fall 2024

If you cannot find a student in the system when you scan their student ID, do this:
  1. try a search by manually entering the student's B number.
  2. if they are still not found, search for them by name.
  3. if they are STILL not found, click on the "Register New User" button.
  4. enter the following information:
    • first and last name
    • in the "Primary Identifier" field, enter the student's B number
    • in the "User group" dropdown, select "student"
    • for an expiration date, choose 12/17/2024
    • for "Email type," select "school" and enter their SUNY Broome email address
    • for "Address types," select "school" as well, and just type BCC in Address Line 1
 
This should be enough to create a record that will allow the student to check out whatever they need at the time.  Entering the B number as a primary identifier should make it so when they return, their ID will work when scanned.
 
Then send the Access Services Librarian (Erin) an email with the name and B number of the student you just entered.