Information Portal - Circulation Modifiers

Circulation Modifiers and Regional Circulation/Hold Policies

Updated July 23, 2025

What is a circulation modifier?

Circulation modifiers (or “circ mods”) are elements that change circulation and/or hold behavior. Circulation modifiers are created at the consortium level, but can be applied in different ways for different libraries.

For example, some libraries have non-standard circulation periods for Audio-Enabled Books, while others have hold policies that prevent these items from being held. Some circulation modifiers also apply fine rates.

Circulation modifiers should be set on all items you add to Evergreen.

What are SELCO’s circulation modifiers?

Circulation modifiers are created at the consortium level and are viewable to all library staff who add items. All options are in the collapsed list below.

Circulation Modifier List

Audio-Enabled Book

Best Seller

Computer/Chromebook

Equipment

Hotspot

Kit

MNLINK

Magazine

Non Circ

Non Holdable

Object

Other

Park Pass

Standard

What rules do SELCO’s circulation modifiers follow?

The following circulation, hold, and fine policies rules apply to every library in the region.

*Exception applied by Circ & RSS Task Force.

**Exceptions for certain libraries due to permanent local request.

These hold rules must default to No Holds Allowed to block most patrons from requesting.

SELCO Resource Sharing staff create specific policies per library and circulation modifier for local request.

***Defaults to 21 days, 2 renewals, unless set differently at your library.

Non-Standard Collection Circulation Modifiers

Most libraries use regional circulation or hold rules in some capacity. In addition, many libraries have non-standard collections that override the default, allowing for non-standard behavior. These rules are viewable in Evergreen for individuals with Circ Manager privileges, but your library may have more user-friendly documentation regarding your local practices.

The most common non-standard circulation modifiers are in the collapsed list below.

Common Non-Standard Circulation Modifiers

Audio-Enabled Book

Best Seller

Computer/Chromebook

Equipment

Hotspot

Kit

Non Holdable*

Object

Other

*Most locations have this set to the regional rule.

How do I view circulation/hold policies in Evergreen?

With Circulation Manager permissions, you can visit Local Administration and view the current Circulation Policies and Hold Policies.

Tips for viewing circulation/hold policies

Policies can be detailed, so add many columns to the grid to see all of the policy’s facets.
Select the Descendants checkbox if you’re scoped to the whole consortium’s circulation policies. This will let you view policies that are scoped to apply only to specific libraries, such as with libraries that charge fines.

What if my item still doesn’t behave as expected?

Circulation is controlled by more than just the circulation modifier. If you’re expecting an item to circulate differently from how it is currently, consider the following:

Where is the shelving location? Is it set to circulate or to be holdable?
Does the item itself have its Circulate property set to Yes/No or Holdable property set to Yes/No?
Which borrower type are you trying to circulate/hold for? Are there any blocks or restrictions for that type?
Does the borrower have a different home library?
Are you trying to override a global rule? This can cause unexpected behavior.
Are you requesting a non-standard collection item on behalf of a patron? Evergreen prioritizes staff requests above all others, so you are able to place holds on another library's non-requestable items.

As a rule of thumb, if Evergreen sees a “No” rule in the circulation policy for the item (or anywhere else), Evergreen will not allow that item to circulate or go on hold.

If nothing seems to explain your item’s behavior, contact the Help Desk and supply as much troubleshooting information as possible.

Report abuse