Melody briefly discussed and distributed an outline of possible scenarios regarding library cards being non-transferable. She described 4 scenarios for checking out materials on another person’s library card as being a spouse, child, non-custodial parent of a minor child and a person unrelated to the customer such as a friend or caretaker, etc. The 3 primary reasons identified by the committee for checking out someone else’s materials are disability, convenience and saving time on the customer’s behalf.
The committee recommends 3 possible solutions for staff to start complying with library policies beginning with the most recommended solution as follows:
Educate/re-educate staff during Circulation Forum, FOCUS, ShelfLife article written by circulation clerks and circulation clerk meetings; specifically advise new customers that cardholders must present his/her own card to check out materials and communicate to existing customers that this has always been library policy and explain that the library is protecting customers privacy.
