Table Time: Issues, old_issues and statistics

When creating reports for circulation information, it is important to identify the correct table from the database schema to pull the information from. There are three tables that can be used to report on check outs, but they contain different information. It is important to have a clear  understanding of the information that is needed for the report.

For more details on how to view the database schema, please submit a ticket or check our Help Centre.

The three tables for check out reports

There are three tables that contain checkout information:

issues - what is happening now

This table contains information about items that are currently checked out on a patron account. It will not contain any information about items that were checked out and have been checked back in.

old_issues - what has happened in the past

This table contains information about items that have already been checked out and checked back in. It will not contain any information about items that are currently checked out on a patron account.

statistics - the overview of the past and the future

The statistics table contains information about almost all actions taken on the system. To use this table, the specifically for checkouts or checkins, the type of transaction must be defined. There is a list of the type of transactions the table contains in the database schema. 

To find details of checkouts, use the issue type.

To find details of checkins, use the return type.

Questions to help you identify which table to use

Are you looking for information for checkouts that are currently on the patron account?

Are you looking for information on items that have been checked out and checked back in?

Do you want information on both checkouts that are still on patron accounts and items that have been checked out and checked back in?

Version	Date	Detail	Author
1.0	08/06/26	Document created	Holly Cooper

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