[OPLINLIST] Looking Up Library Cards for Children to Use the Internet

[Marsha Wagner]

Here are the responses so far:

1) We almost never look up library card numbers for children.  In the past
we had too many problems with one child pretending to be another for fun and
mischief.  That said, our internet reservation system is completely separate
from our catalog, so that is not an issue.  We do look up card numbers for
anybody who can produce a photo id showing that they are who they say they
are, or for any patron whom we personally know and recognize.  (this was so
my staff didn't feel like they would have to deny a lookup to somebody like
their next door neighbor just because they don't have any id with them.. [we
do serve a fairly small community])
I hope this helps.  Have a good day.
Joe
Joseph Knueven
Director
Germantown Public Library

2)Adult patrons need either their library card or photo ID to use a
computer.  Children must have their library cards or be accompanied by
their parent [with their card or photo id to access child's account]. We
do this, as some parents hold the cards so their minor children may not
have access computers or  materials without the parents being present.

Carol C. Baker
Adult Services Librarian
Newton Falls Public Library

3) Most of our local students have school id's with their picture on them.
For those that don't we ask for phone number and birth date.
- Cinda

Cinda Bretz Wallace, MLIS
Director
EXTENSION LIBRARY DISTRICT OF HURON COUNTY

4) This is going to be somewhat long winded and winding. We do not give them
their card#s we issue guest passes. We do look up and make sure their card
does not have over $10 in fines (if they even have one) verified by name,
birth date & address. If their card has over $10 in fines they cannot use
the computers (unless they have a payment plan set up and are working to
pay their fines down but that is noted as a block). If they are under 5
they can't get a card anyways and the parents are there and they get guest
passes since parent cards will not work on the children's computers. If
they're between 5 & 12 and do not have a card, they get one guest pass and
informed they cannot use the computer until they have a card, which gets
the parent in the library to get them one. Once they have a card they can
get a guest pass if they don't have the card with them. For those 13+ we
strongly encourage them to get a card if they are local residents, which
most people are glad to do. Those between 13 & 17 have to have a parent
with them to get a card since they are not of legal age. We also encourage
them to get cards which they usually do. We are on the border of WV so
several of our patrons our from out of state. Since our levy passed (yay!)
we will start charging out of state borrowers a $10 yearly user fee
starting March 1st. This throws another wrench in the wheel but we'll just
treat those who do not want to get cards as we do all other out-of-state
residents although we used to encourage them to get cards.
As for the time it takes, we spend more time teaching people with cards
how to sign on to computers than we do the one's we issue guest passes to.
Those 14 digits in the card # and remembering their pin # really get them.
Hope this helps answer your question.
--
Andrea B. Adkins, Librarian
Information Services Manager
Marietta Library - Washington County Public Libraries
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