====== Creating a Reader Assistant ======

In order to create a reader assistant in the library, first ensure that a [[pergamonmu:readers:managing_readers|reader]] record exists for the individual in question. Reader assistants are given managerial powers by creating a parallel managerial user with limited permissions and then linking the two together.

  - Logging in as the managerial user will automatically also login the reader.\\ \\
  - Logging in as the reader user will not login as the manager, but will grant the reader limited managerial powers.\\ \\

In order to operate as a reader assistant, the reader only needs to login using the normal **reader** details and does not even need to know that they have a 'manager' component.

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{{:pergamonmu:stop048.png?nolink |Warning}} Do not confuse '**Reader Assistants**' with conventional '**Library Assistants**'\\ \\ **Library assistants** are __staff members__ and should only be created as normal **Managerial** users unless they also require a reader record for conventional use of the library as a borrower. '**Reader Assistants**' are conventional __readers__ (e.g. trusted pupils) who have been selected to assist in the library but only in certain functions, such as Circulating items to fellow class members.
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In order to create a Reader:

  - Create a new reader or select an existing reader to be a Reader Assistant. We will use our current reader, '**00001**', Albert Johnson.\\ \\
  - Select [**Manager**] > [**Users**] from the [**Manager**] toolbar menu to display the [[pergamonmu:users:managing_users|User Manager]] dialog.\\ \\
  - Select [**Create**] from the toolbar and select the new user that appears in the left-hand list to display the details.\\ \\
  - Edit the [**Login**] field to reflect the new managerial record - we will use '**RA-Albert**' to indicate that this is '**Albert Johnson**', but you can choose anything that is locally appropriate - then complete the other name fields. As this user account will probably never be used by Albert, it is not really important that the login name is memorable - we do not even need to set the user account's password.\\ \\
  - Use the drop-down field to select the [**Reader**] to which these managerial permissions will be attached.\\ \\
  - Select each of the permissions that we want Albert to have, and check the line to **ON**. In our case, we have turned on the '**Circulations: Access**' permission to allow initial access to the Circualtions area, as well as to issue and return items.\\ \\ {{:pergamonmu:quickstart:quickstart-assist-permissions.png?direct&100|}}\\ \\
  - When finished, click [**Update**] to save the changes to the database.

===== Using the Reader Assistant =====


In order to demonstrate the Reader Assistant Account working:

  - If you are currently logged in as a manager, log out until the [**Manager**] toolbar icon shows a closed lock.\\ \\
  - Select the green reader [**Login**] button from the toolbar.\\ \\
  - Enter the Reader Barcode for Albert Johnson - in our case '**00001**', but use whatever reader barcode you entered locally.\\ \\
  - Enter the Reader Password that you created for your user in the Reader Manager - in our case the same as the reader barcode, '**00001**'.\\ \\
  - The reader should now be logged in and displaying the standard Reader menu items [**My Borrowing**] and [**My Reservations**], but also the new managerial authorised menu option [**Issue & Return**].\\ \\ {{:pergamonmu:quickstart:quickstart-assist-logged-in.png?direct&100 |}}


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