FAQ Libarary Cards Procedure

Some Questions I’ve been getting lately about library cards. This pertains to the Adult and Reference Sections only:

Q1. If a patron forgets his permanent card, can he still check out materials if he shows some other form of ID?

• A1. No. However—on our regulars, who are usually elderly and in failing health, and almost always have had an excellent borrowing history, (like Mrs. Dana, Mr. Pietnik, Mrs. Ladebauch, Doris Bartone), you can check out to them. I’m talking about our long time regulars, who have come here year after year, week after week—this should count for something-- so give them a break. The object is to get everyone using their cards every time they check out materials so remind even the regulars to have their cards with them.

Q2. Can we put items aside for patrons while they retrieve their cards?

• A2. Yes, hold items for 24 hours or in the case of Saturday—to Monday evening. Clearly label the items and put on the back cabinet.

Q3. If a patron forgets to bring her library card to check out a museum pass, can I give her the pass with proper ID?

• A3. No. You usually have two opportunities to remind museum pass patrons to always bring their card with them to reserve and check out passes. The first time is when they call and try to reserve over the phone. The second time is when they come in to register. Patrons MUST reserve their passes with a library card. You must remind them they will need their library card to check the pass out. They have been told. So, No card, no pass.

Q4. If a patron has already registered under the computer policy—has a white dot, etc. and shows up to use the computer but does not have either her temporary or permanent library card with her, can she still use the computer.

• A4. Since using the computer does not involve checking an item out of the building, and if the patron can show another form of ID so you can check against computer registration records, YES, she can still use the computer. But please, you need to remind her that she should have her card with her to use the computers and check out any materials.

Q5. If a patron has forgotten his card and wants to check out materials but doesn’t want to go home to get his card, can I make the original card lost and give him a new one?

• A5. No. Don’t use a new card as an out for the patron who has forgotten his card. Impress upon him that he needs to have his card to check out items and that you can hold the materials until he returns with his card. If he is absolutely sure it is lost, then give him a new card.

Q6. If a person with a permanent card, who has signed up for the Internet/Computers policy and has reserved a computer, shows up to use the computer without her permanent card, can I give her a temporary card for this computer session?

• A6. No. See A4. If this patron is already on file as having read the policy, as long as she has another form of ID on her so that you can verify this against the system, she can use the computer. Remind her to bring her card next time and that she will need her card to check out any items.

Patrons need constant reminding that their library cards are important documents. They need to be reminded to bring their cards with them for all transactions.