RapidILL and Rapido work best when requests are linked to the correct record. When a RapidILL request enters Alma, the system tries to match it to an MMS record. Occasionally, however, lending requests in Alma attach to the wrong MMS-Id (the unique identifier for a record in your Metadata Management System)—most often an electronic record—making the request appear “located” but impossible to fulfill.
Alma and RapidILL/Rapido automatically attempt to locate resources for lending requests. When they succeed, the request shows a Resource Locate Status of “Resource
Located.” However, the system may:
- prefer an electronic MMS ID
- match at the title or identifier level rather than by desired format
- attach to a Network or Community Zone e-record, even when print inventory exists locally
Knowing when and how to detach a request from the MMS ID keeps lending workflows moving and turnaround times short. To attach the request to the right record, in Alma, staff must separate the bibliographic citation from the resource-sharing requests. On the lending side, detaching from the MMS ID is the supported Alma workflow for removing the wrong record so the request can be connected to the correct physical inventory. This is not a cataloging fix. It is a fulfillment correction.
Detaching from the MMS ID allows you to:
❌ Remove an incorrectly linked electronic record
Reset the request’s inventory association
✅ Enable Alma to locate and link physical holdings instead
Proceed with normal lending workflows (pull, scan, ship)
To quickly detach a lending request:
- Go to Fulfillment → Resource Sharing → Lending Requests
- Find a request that:
- Has resources attached
- Shows as Resource Located
- Is linked to the wrong (usually electronic) record
- From the row actions menu, select Detach from MMS ID
- Confirm the status updates to No Resources Located
- Continue lending once physical inventory is identified
Why detaching beats rejecting
Rejecting delays fulfillment, pushes a local system issue back to the borrower, and increases workload across institutions.
Detaching keeps the request active, fixes the issue locally, and aligns with Alma’s intended lending workflow.
When not to detach
Detaching is for removing the wrong record—not for forcing availability. Do not detach the request if:
- The request is truly intended for electronic fulfillment
- Your library does not own the item physically
- The attached MMS-ID already represents the correct print record
Official Ex Libris documentation
