As stated in the staff meeting today, I am going to try to collect all questions staff may have about a process and/or workflow and post it - along with the answers - on the blog.
Again, if there is any contradicting information or if you attend a training/meeting in which a procedure has been revised, please let me know so that I can update this blog accordingly.
Q 01. If the name is the only thing included in the Parent 2 section of the application, do we enter it into Sirsi?
A: Yes, if a name is placed on the application, then the name should be entered into Sirsi. If an address is not documented on the application, it is assumed that the address is the same as the address on the application. However, staff should ask the customer filling out the application to write the address for Parent 2 on the application. The customer can even enter "Same" if the address for Parent 2 the same as the one on the application for the child and/or Parent 1.
Q 02. Do we enter information for Parent 2 if he or she is not present?
A: Yes. Parent 1 has the option of adding a second parent onto the child's account. The first parent (the one signing the registration application) is the responsible parent. The not-responsible parent (Parent 2) is placed on the account to allow the other parent - or any other adult - to access the account and utilize library services.
Q 03. How do you determine expiration dates for a youth cards (in particular for those about to become adults)?
A: A library card for a minor that is between the ages of 15-17 should have an expiration date that coincides with the date the minor child becomes an adult (i.e., the card would expire on their 18th birthday). If the default 3-year expiration date falls before their 18th birthday, then it can remain the same. So, for example, if 16-year-old John Doe (DOB: 05/21/1999) came to the library to get a card on 06/29/2015, the expiration date would be 05/21/2017 and NOT 06/29/2018. Staff are required to shorten the expiration date to coincide with the date the minor turns 18. Staff should make sure they are providing good customer service by alerting the youth and parent that the card will expire on the youth's 18th birthday.
- A good way to determine if a youth will turn 18 soon is to use a calculator and subtract the birth year from this year. Another method is to save the record, reopen record in Sirsi, and view the calculated age. If the youth is 16 or 17, the privilege will need to be shortened. Depending on the birthdate, the privilege might also need to be shorten if the youth is 15.
