How to set set a lost charge at the item type level
This document will outline how to set a default charge for Lost items at the item type level. This function is useful when there is a standard charge every item which is categorised into a specific item type.
For more information on the fields on the Add Item Form please contact Interleaf Technology directly.
Enable the system preference useDefaultReplacementCost
Go to Koha administration > System Preferences and search for useDefaultReplacementCost.
This will bring up a system preference of the same name.
Set this to Use the default replacement cost defined for the item type and click Save all Circulation preferences.
Set the default charge for an item type
Go to Koha administration > Basic parameters > Item types.
This will bring up a table of item types on your site.
Identify the item type to be edited and click Edit in the Actions column.
This will bring up the details of the specific item type.
Scroll down to the the line called Default replacement cost. Input the standard amount that should be charged for any Lost item with this item type.
Click Save changes at the bottom of the page.
Item type level charge in practice
The image below is an example of the Add item form. As fields on this form can be added or removed it may look different for different sites and frameworks.
For this function to work, the v - Cost, replacement price must appear on the Add Item form. The field will be blank, even after selecting the item type which has a replacement price defined. Putting information into the v - Cost replacement price field in the item record will override the setting in the overall item type.
Below is an example of an item with the item type DVD checked out to a patron. The account does not have any charges associated with it.
When the item type is updated as LOST, it is checked in off the patron account and a fine is applied to the account.
The LOST function is customisable so it may not automatically check in off the patron account. However, the fine should still be applied to the patron account.
The LOST function is not the only way the charge for replacing the item might be assigned, but it is the most common.
| Version | Date | Detail | Author |
| 1.0 | 19/12/25 | Doc. Created | Holly Cooper |
| 1.1 | 22/12/25 | Adding details | Holly Cooper |
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