RFC : Split issuingrules into Circ rules and Circ policies Full version : http://wiki.koha.org/doku.php?id=en:development:rfcs3.2:rfc32_circ_policies Synopsis: The issuingrules table and smart-rules.pl interface currently mix definition of circulation policy with definition of when those policies should be applied. This proposal suggests two distinct interfaces for these operations. Details The issuingrules table currently holds performs two discrete functions: 1. it holds data describing circulation & fines policy, i.e. loan length, maxissues, fine, etc. 2. it describes which transactions should cause those policies to be applied. This RFC proposes that these two data sets be represented in two new tables in the Koha database, circ_rules and circ_policies, which would supercede the issuingrules table (i.e. issuingrules will be dropped). Benefits: 1. Database normalization. as described above. 2. Simplifies interface for those libraries that have many itemtype & borrower categories. 3. Simplifies future enhancements, allowing us to attach other types of policies to a given transaction context, e.g. adding a holds_policies table. Drawbacks: 1. Having the Policies described on a separate page than where they are assigned adds a level of complexity to assignment. This drawback is addressed by including in smart_rules.pl a 'policy lookup' allowing the user to look up any available circ policies, as well as an on-hover display of a policy in the rules display. (see screenshot). Database changes: * circ_rules will include branchcode, itemtype, categorycode and circ_policies_id (and circ_termset_id, see rfc: term loans) * circ_policies will include remaining columns from issuingules, with some cleanup. The patch set will include an updatedatabase patch that will extract repeated policies from the issuingrules table, name them in English with an appropriate description, and assign those policies to the circ_rules table. Please see wiki page for screenshot of interface. http://wiki.koha.org/doku.php?id=en:development:rfcs3.2:rfc32_circ_policies Comments appreciated. -- Ryan Higgins LibLime * Open-Source Solutions for Libraries Featuring KohaZOOM ILS 888-564-2457 x704