Columbia County Public Library

Borrower Registration Policy

Introduction

       The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the registration of library users who wish to borrow materials or to use library services which are otherwise restricted.  These guidelines are intended to encourage use of library services and materials by as many people as possible and to the greatest possible extent while maintaining accountability for materials loaned.

Residents

       To register to borrow library materials, a citizen, age sixteen or older, must show acceptable identification and one of the following:  (1) proof of residence in Columbia County, or (2) proof of residence in a county with which Columbia County has a reciprocal borrowing agreement, or (3) proof of owning property in Columbia County.

Acceptable forms of identification include:

• §   Driver license
• §   State identification card
• §   Military identification card
• §   Student identification card
• §   Employee identification card
• §   Passport
• §   Foreign visa
• §   Alien registration card
• §   Photo credit or debit card

Any of the following which shows the individual's name and current address may be used as proof of residence when accompanied by acceptable identification:                

• §  Voter registration card
• §  Recent rent receipt or utility bill
• §  Declaration of domicile
• §  Checkbook with imprinted name and address
• §  Correspondence with canceled postage, addressed and mailed to individual at current address within last month
• §  Property deed or tax bill

Homebound Residents

       Registration forms may be sent to homebound residents by mail or by another library user. When the forms are returned to the library with copies of acceptable identification and proof of residence or property ownership, the library card will be mailed to the homebound person or given to the homebound person’s designee for delivery. 

Juveniles

       Resident juveniles between ages three and sixteen may also register to borrow materials.  If a juvenile is unable to sign his or her first and last name the parent, legal guardian, step-parent or grandparent may do so.                           

       To register, a juvenile must have the consent by signature of a parent, legal guardian, step-parent, or grandparent.  The parent legal guardian, step-parent or grandparent must furnish identification and proof of local residence (as described above) and must come into the library to complete the registration application.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

       If the only available parent, legal guardian, step-parent or grandparent is not able to come to the library, juveniles may be registered following homebound procedures.

       If juveniles without library cards need to check out materials, they may register themselves on a temporary basis.  They will be permitted to check out two items, with no further check outs allowed until the parent, legal guardian, step-parent or grandparent consents by signature.

Temporary Residents

       Temporary residents (people working or attending school in Columbia County but living elsewhere or people who are part-time residents of the county) may register for and are eligible for the same borrowing privileges as residents.   Part-time residents must show identification and proof of residence in Columbia County and may be asked to furnish such proof of address more frequently than residents.                                                  

       If residence is temporary by virtue of employment or student status in Columbia County, the person must provide proof of employment or student status, such as work ID, pay check stub, student ID, report card, or letter from employer or school on letterhead verifying employment or student status, in addition to acceptable identification and proof of address required of all borrowers.                                                                     

       If applying for status as Temporary Resident, each family member must qualify individually.  Family members not qualifying may apply as Non-Residents.  

Non-Residents

       Non-residents are eligible for the same borrowing privileges as residents.  Non-residents must also register and show identification and proof of address.  Non-residents are charged an annual fee which is non-refundable.             

Other Borrower Categories

       When needed to meet the library needs of the community, additional borrower categories may be designated at the discretion of the Library Director.

Renewal and Card Replacement

       Cards issued to residents are valid for two years from date of issue.  Cards issued to temporary residents and non-residents are valid for one year. There is no fee to residents or temporary residents for renewal of the card although proof of residence, employment or student status may be required again.

       Other borrower categories may be subject to different renewal terms.

       The loss or theft of a card should be reported to the library immediately.  A fee will be charged for replacing a lost card.

Lost (or Forgotten) Library Cards

Borrowing Materials

       If a user is not known personally, by name, to the library staff, the user must show acceptable identification in order to borrow materials.

       A juvenile patron without identification will be asked to provide identifying information which may include:  full name, address, phone numbers, date of birth, or other information required in borrower registration.

Replacing A Lost Card

       If a user is not known personally, by name, to the library staff, the user must show acceptable identification in order to receive a replacement card.

       A juvenile patron without identification will be asked to provide identifying information which may include:  full name, address, phone numbers, date of birth, or other information required in borrower registration.

       A replacement card will be issued upon payment of the designated fee.                                              

Borrower Responsibilities

       Upon registration, each user is issued a library card.  Borrowers are expected to present library cards when borrowing materials.  The user is responsible for all materials borrowed on his/her card and for any fines or fees relative to such materials regardless of whether he or she borrowed the materials personally.

Loan Parameters

      Loan parameters (including numbers of items that may be borrowed at one time, loan periods, etc.) for various borrower categories should be established in accordance with current community needs and must be approved by the Library Director.

Rev. July, 2013