Validating network users against the III patron file

["Ericsson, Paul" <PEricsson@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Have any Innovative users designed scripts, or does III actually have functionality that I am not aware of, that allows 3rd party software to query the III patron file to determine if the patron barcode number is registered, and whether the patron account has exceptions (fines, blocks, etc..)?

We are using a pretty nice time management software package** that logs patrons on to our public use computers, and tracks usage for each day, and logs patrons off the network at the end of their allotted time for the day. It has relieved our reference librarians of the hassles with monitoring usage of public computers.

We are a newbee III site, and are interested in having this scheduling software check the III patron record for validation. One of the few drawbacks of the software is that it is pretty easy for patrons to enter fake library card numbers, and then get more than the allotted time on the network. We for sure do not have enough computers for our public to allow users more than the scheduled time.

So, back to the III question - is there functionality in III to allow for this 3rd party software to check for valid patrons, or has anyone designed scripts to do this?

Many thanks for your guidance.

Paul

** The scheduling software is called Milo, and it does basic public computer usage time management very well. We think it is a good, low cost solution and alternative to some of the more robust but expensive packages. If you are interested, the developer (a local guy to New Hampshire) is Jim Wellsby jwwtw@xxxxxxxxxx   BTW - no, I am not getting a kickbacks.
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	Paul Ericsson
	Adult Services Supervisor / Automation Coordinator
	Concord Public Library    http://www.onconcord.com
	45 Green St.     Concord, NH 03301     603 230-3697
	pericsson@xxxxxxxxxx
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