[OPEN-ILS-GENERAL] patron registration

[Chauncey Montgomery]

Holly,
We have not had paper applications for years (more than 20 years now). 
We never referenced them, so we did away with them.  The back of the 
card, where they sign their name, says "By signing the card I agree to 
abide by all library policies, etc..." Legally, I'm not sure that holds 
much water, but it at least shows some acknowledgment of accountability 
from the patron, assuming they read it. If they lose the card, then I 
guess it's a moot point, but we've never had an issue with it.  Perhaps 
we've over simplified our procedures, but if you never reference them, 
then why have them?  I personally feel they are superfluous.

In regard to the flaming server issue, hopefully a backup is available. 
If not it may be just as efficient to enter new accounts as patrons come 
into the library.  You may be able to offer additional self-registration 
workstations using laptops throughout the library to make it a little 
less work on staff.

Hope that helps.
CM

On 05/29/2015 02:57 PM, Holly Brennan wrote:
> I’ve set up everything needed for online patron registration, but
> haven’t implemented yet. The stumper is how we deal with hard copies of
> registrations.  We’ve always had a paper app with signature and we file
> these in an old card catalog.
>
> Do any of you NOT print registrations or keep _any_ hard copies of
> patron info? Or do you have something simple with just an agreement and
> signature that doesn’t have to include much about the patron besides name?
>
> I feel we might be holding onto paper for nothing. Reasons given to keep it:
>
> 1)What if something tragic happens to our ILS? We’ll have paper to
> backup patron info. (My thoughts: If it’s THAT tragic, the whole
> building has likely been destroyed…. And also, we’re going to manually
> reenter patron info for each and every person?!)
>
> 2)The patron’s signature is the true agreement. We can use it to hold
> them responsible for lost items, fines, etc. (I can’t think of a time,
> ever, that I’ve retrieved a paper app and pointed to a signature in
> order to convince a patron to do something they agreed to.)
>
> My goal with this is to find a number of you who keep absolutely nothing
> on paper. (And who don’t even have a super cool digital signature
> contraption.)
>
> Thanks!
>
> -Holly
-- 
Chauncey G. Montgomery, MLIS
Director/Fiscal Officer | Community Library
44 Burrer Drive | Sunbury, OH 43074
740-965-3901 | http://community.lib.oh.us