Thanks for all your work at the desks as we dive into our busy season. I want to send out a reminder on our procedures for checking out items to library users.
Library users can borrow without a library card, but I ask that you follow this process to keep the experience consistent for library users and your fellow staff. Always ask for their library card first. If they say they don’t have it, always ask if you can see their photo ID before looking them up with three pieces of information. Here is an example of how a interaction might sound:
JPL Patron: I don’t have my library card, can you just look me up?
JPL Staff: Not a problem at all about the library card, would you happen to have your photo ID available?
JPL Patron: I don’t have anything with me.
JPL Staff: Ok. We can still get you checked out by verifying three pieces of information on your account!
Photo ID is preferable because you have then verified their identity and when you open their account if they ask you questions about their circulation record, ask you to get them a new card, etc. you will be good to go and can help them. It also helps to have their name spelled along with date of birth right in front of you.
You guys – I could go on and on about all the various times that escalated issues have gotten really awkward and complex from us accidentally checking out items to the wrong person’s account. I can tell you a million stories – just grab me sometime. But in the meantime, please trust me that if at all possible, it is best to use a library card or photo ID before looking people up with three pieces of information to ensure you get items on the correct account.
Also – please remember that if you look up the account with three pieces of information, you are just letting them borrow the materials on their own account. So I cannot come in and give you three pieces of information on my husband’s, mom’s, friend’s account to borrow on their card. I can give you three pieces of information about my account and borrow items (after I am asked if I have my library card of photo ID available). I can present another person’s library card and use their account with full access.
Thanks for reading this and following the process. It really helps so our library users know what to expect and have a consistent experience at JPL.
This cheat sheet is in Confluence under Circulation and Library Card Policy FAQ that I am currently updating but this information is there.
Please ask me, Riddhi or Mary if you have questions!