I think the problem and frustration is universal.  Right now our policy for issuing library cards to children is the same as already mentioned.  However, we use the Sirsi system in our Coop and many of the libraries use USER GROUPS which links the cards for everyone in the family.  If one is blocked then they are all blocked and the parents have to pay to unblock the cards.  We don't use it here at my library so I am not sure exactly how it all works, but it is an option.

- Maureen Swanwick
Head of Circulation
Romeo District Library


On 2016-06-24 11:42, Nannette Pretzer wrote:

First of all, we have the same dilemma going on here at our library
and would be interested in the responses you received.

Basically, our policy of issuing Children's library cards is the same
as your library. We have the same issues and frustrations in dealing
with the parents whose cards are blocked due to fines and then get a
card for the child.

So, our library board is also investigating the policy and would like
to know what other libraries policies are.

Thanks for sharing!

NANNETTE PRETZER

Director

St. Charles District Library

104 W. Spruce Street

St. Charles, MI 48655

www.stcharlesdistrictlibrary.org

989-865-9371

n.pretzer@stcharlesdistrictlibrary.org

FROM: michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org [mailto:michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org]
ON BEHALF OF Mary Beth Reasoner
SENT: Wednesday, June 22, 2016 3:52 PM
TO: Michlib-l@mcls.org
SUBJECT: [Michlib-l] Children's Library Cards

Dear All -

At this morning's Staff Meeting at Tecumseh District Library, we had a
rousing discussion about when a child should be eligible to receive a
library card. This discussion covered the age/grade/ability to write
their names aspects and then progressed into talking about our
frustrations in dealing with parents whose cards are blocked due to
fines and long overdue materials who then open up a card in their
young child's name so they (the adults) can still check out books and
have access to our computers. (So yes, there are really two issues
here.)

Our current policy is that a child can receive a TDL library card at
any age. The Registration Card is filled out and signed by the parent
or legal guardian. They then sign a Release Form that emphasizes it is
THEIR responsibility to keep the card in good standing and allows them
access to the child's borrowing record.

As stated on our website:

Cards for Minors
Youths under the age of 18 will be issued their own Resident or
Non-Resident library card when the parent or guardian signs a
registration form and assumes all financial obligation.

Access to the youth's borrowing record will be provided only if a
release form is signed by the parent or guardian.

A parent or guardian has to be present with the minor at the time of
pick-up to sign the card and the Release Form. They must present a
valid proof of residence.

I agree with our current policy (no age limit, no grade limit, no
can-they-write-their-name limit) because it allows equal access to all
children within our service area (and I am aware of the Library Bill
of Rights for Minors which I will share with the staff), but the group
had several strong differing opinions. So I promised my Director and
colleagues that I would request feedback from other libraries via
Michlib-l so we could review a range of different policies. So, here
goes!

WHAT IS YOUR LIBRARY'S POLICY CONCERNING ISSUING LIBRARY CARDS TO
MINORS AND WHAT IS THE REASONING OR RATIONALE BEHIND THAT POLICY?

Thank you for your time and assistance as we seek to compare different
policies.

Mary Beth

MARY BETH REASONER

CHILDREN'S SERVICES LIBRARIAN

TECUMSEH DISTRICT LIBRARY

mbreasoner@tecumsehlibrary.org [1]

www.tecumsehlibrary.org [2]

215 North Ottawa Street

Tecumseh, MI 49286-1564

517-423-2238

517-423-5519 (Fax)

"LET US READ AND LET US DANCE, TWO AMUSEMENTS THAT WILL NEVER DO ANY
HARM TO THE WORLD."     - VOLTAIRE



Links:
------
[1] http://mbreasoner@tecumsehlibrary.org
[2] http://www.tecumsehlibrary.org/

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