Managing Patron Accounts Between Member Libraries
"The SEO Advisory Committee encourages member libraries to accept library cards from any other SEO member library, provided the card is in good standing. While there are valid reasons for a user to request a card from your specific library (such as access to local databases), libraries are encouraged to refrain from issuing a new card to any user with delinquent charges at another member library."
When a patron moves into your service area and requests a library card, your library has the option to either update their existing consortium account or issue a new one.
Updating an Existing Account
If your library chooses to use the patron's original consortium card, staff may update the following fields in the Modify User wizard:
- Name and Address data
- Privilege dates
- Demographic information
Issuing a New Account and Removing the Old One
If your library decides to issue a completely new library card, follow these best practices for account maintenance:
- Patron-Led Removal: Encourage the patron to contact their former library to request that their old account be deleted.
- Library-Led Removal: Offer to contact the original library on the patron's behalf to facilitate the account removal.
- Automatic Purge: If the patron prefers to keep the old account active, or if no contact is made, the system will automatically purge the inactive account after three years of zero activity.