MANDARIN M3 - GROUP EDITOR
Assign Levels of Access through a Hierarchical Security Scheme

Mandarin M3 uses an elaborate, hierarchical security scheme that enables the librarian to assign levels of access for Cataloging, Circulation, OPAC and database maintenance features. Security in M3 is implemented using the M3 Group Editor module. Group Editor creates, customizes and modifies the group permissions required to gain access to M3 functions.

Groups are created with customized sets of parameters and privileges. The three default group types are patron, item and special reserve. An unlimited number of each group type can be created, and patrons and items can be moved in batches to different groups for quick updating.

Patron Groups
Each patron record must be assigned to a group to establish circulation privileges. Patron groups can exist for types such as: general, VIP, volunteer, staff member, etc… The following settings are established in the patron group:

  • General - establishes identification information such as name, description, and card expiration
  • Circulation Blocks - sets the rights of group members to add, modify, place, remove and override messages
  • Circulation Limits - sets circulation quantity limits for the group
  • Circulation Access - sets the circulation rights of group members
  • OPAC Access - sets the OPAC rights of group members
  • Cataloging Access - sets the cataloging rights of group members
  • Utilities - sets access privileges for Inventory, Report Generator, Configuration Editor and Group Editor functions
  • Members - adds or removes them from the group
  • Item Group Overrides - overrides item parameters for the specific patron group
  • Group Access - sets which patron groups have access to this group

Item Groups
Each holding record must be assigned to a group to establish the item's circulation parameters. Item groups can consist for types such as: general collection, periodicals, equipment, reference and many more. The following settings are established in the item group:

  • General - establishes identification information such as name and description of the group
  • Circulation Periods - sets circulation time frames and fine amounts for the group
  • Members - adds or removes them from the group
  • Group Access - sets which patron groups have access to this group

Special Reserve Groups
Special reserve groups accommodate unusual circulation restrictions for special items and, if necessary, patrons. For example, a special reserve group can be created to reserve selected science books used by students involved in a four-week project.

  • General - establishes identification information such as name, description, and access to the group
  • Item Members - adds or removes them from the group
  • Circulation Period - sets circulation time frames and fine amounts for the group
  • Circulation Limits - sets circulation quantity limits for the group
  • Patron Members - adds or removes patrons from the group
  • Group Access - sets which patron groups have access to this group