These instructions are for marking a patron’s fine/fee as paid in Alma. NOVA Libraries do not currently charge overdue fines for late returns. However, patrons who lose or damage library items must pay the replacement fees. Replacement fees are automatically generated by Alma when items are more than 30 days overdue or when an item is declared lost. Replacement costs are determined by the item record. If a replacement cost is not listed, Alma defaults to $50.00.
Required Role: Circulation Desk Operator or Manager OR Circulation Desk Operator – Limited (student workers)
Pay a Fine/Fee
1. Select Fulfillment from the side navigation and choose Manage Patron Services from the menu.
2. Search for the patron by entering their MyNOVA username or EMPLID (student ID number). Select the patron from the drop-down menu and click Go.
3. If the patron’s fine is more than $10, you will see a blocked notice pop-up. Click OK.
4. Patron information shows. Click the Fines and Fees tab.
5. In the Fines and Fees panel, you will see a list of fees. Select the fees the student wishes to pay, then click the green Pay button in the upper right hand corner.
6. In the Payment window, you are indicated as the Operator and there are a number of options:
- Payment method: Select NOVA Card from the drop-down menu. This is the only form of payment NOVA Libraries can receive.
- Payment amount: If the patron is not paying in full, change the amount in the box.
- Transaction ID: If you enter nothing, Alma will generate a transaction ID. User will see this transaction ID on their receipt. Optionally, NOVA Card receipts have transaction numbers, you could enter those here.
- Comment – Optional; fill out as needed to communicate information to the patron. The Patron will see any notes you put in the comment section on their receipt.
6. Complete the fields and click Pay Selected. A Confirmation Message box will appear.
7. Click Confirm. This generates an email receipt to the patron. Clicking Cancel will take you back to the User Details screen and the Pay button.
Note: NOVA Card payments are described as Debit_Card. VCCS is attempting to change this, if possible.