Pickup ares were added to Polaris 7.5 released in October 2023. They are an alternative to adding a separate branch and are used to designated where patrons can pick up their hold requests.
This article attempts to break down the pros/cons of Pickup Areas and their support. It is a Wiki post, so as time goes on, anyone can edit it to make updates as things change in the future.
Also, check the original 7.5 What’s New for set up instructions. And review the current documentation for recent changes.
Comparison: “New Branch” vs. “Pickup Area” for Library Services
| Feature / Consideration | New Branch | Pickup Area |
|---|---|---|
| General Concept | Configures the service point as a full, standalone library location within the system. | Uses a specialized feature within the Polaris ILS to designate a specific pickup point at an existing branch(es). |
| Compatibility | Generally high. All known 3rd party systems (discovery tools, apps, etc.) are built to recognize branches. | Can be limited. May not be supported by all mobile apps, online catalogs, or notification systems. This includes limited support in Innovative’s own products. |
| Set Up | Time-consuming and may involve working with Innovative. Don’t assume that just because you can add a branch in Sys Admin that completes all the required steps. | Fairly straightforward and simple, you can even “reuse” pickup areas across multiple branches. |
| Patron Experience | Consistent. Patrons select the new location from a familiar list of library branches. | Potentially confusing if the online catalog or app doesn’t display the pickup area option clearly. |
| Policy Flexibility | High. Can have its own distinct loan rules, hours, and policies, just like any other branch. Useful for example if you have a locker that you need to have shorter “Days on Hold Shelf” setting. | Must use the policies of the associated branch(es). |
| Resource Sharing | More reliable. External systems (like statewide catalogs) typically recognize and display branches. | Lower compatibility. Often not visible or selectable in external or interlibrary loan systems. |
| Workflow | Standard library workflow. Staff transfers items to the “branch” for patron pickup. | Streamlines workflow for staff, they don’t have to log in/out of branches. |
| Reporting | Full reporting support across all reporting platforms. | Limited reporting support. For example, not available in SimplyReports (Add pickup area support to SimplyReports – Innovate with us). |
| Best For | Services needing high visibility, unique rules, or integration with other library networks. | Niche applications like school delivery (one branch many pickup areas) where the required integration with 3rd party apps is low. For example, if only staff place the requests within the ILS. |
| Overall | A universally supported option that ensures maximum compatibility and a seamless patron experience. | A specialized tool that works well in specific cases but carefully check ALL 3rd party integrations for compatibility. |