Clicking on this button will create a dropdown with a list of all patron categories on your system.
These will vary from system to system, as they can be deleted or added to as needed by library staff, however you should choose the category that is most appropriate for the type of patron being created e.g. first year, staff, external student etc.
If this field is non-mandatory and is left blank, Koha will automatically generate a cardnumber for the new patron. This gives library staff less control and ability to record the numbers being given out.
In order to check items out all patrons will need a cardnumber so it is good to monitor that they are being assigned correctly.
A mandatory field will encourage all library staff to have a procedure for assigning library cards, creating a standard and intuitive sequence for the library cards.
It is possible to change the library card number after it has been assigned.
Other important features of this functionality include:
If you leave the username and password field blank, Koha will automatically fill them in.
The username will be made up of a composite of the first and second name fields, or the email fields, depending on what has been filled in.
Once you are happy with how the form is filled in, hit Save.
Once the patron information has been saved, you will be taken directly into the patron record you just created.
If the patron being created will be using the staff side of Koha it is important to determine what permissions they will be given. It is important to note that in order for the patron to be able to login they have to be give the permission catalogue Required for staff login. Staff access, allows viewing of catalogue in staff client. Most student accounts won't be given any patron permissions.