Applying a "partial" holdings template to an existing item deletes stat cat values

[Beth Willis]

EG 3-6-2

Libraries in our consortium sometimes wish to modify some, but not all, values for a batch of existing items. For example, if a batch of items is selected for summer reading or for display, only the shelving location and circulation modifier may need to be edited. In these cases, the library may create and apply a "partial" holdings template including values for just these two fields. However, if the items to be edited contain values for one or more statistical categories, these values are "blanked out." If the user saves the item after applying the template, the original statistical category values are deleted. And, if the statistical categories are required, the items cannot be saved.

In the database, the webstaff.cat.copy.templates entry in the actor.usr_setting table includes "null" values for the statistical categories even if these fields were not included as part of the template.

Note: this issue affects only statistical category fields.

Steps to recreate:

Create a holdings template and set values for all relevant fields; include two statistical categories as part of the template; make sure that the statistical category has been set to "required"

Save the template

Create a second holdings template setting values for a few fields (excluding the statistical category(ies)

Save the template

Apply the first template to an item and save the item

Edit the item and apply the second template

Observe that the statistical categories are blanked out and that the required statistical category(ies) are highlighted in red and the "Store Selected" and "Save & Exit" buttons have been grayed out.

The attached screenshots show:

The original template with statistical category values

The new “partial” template that includes only three fields.