Accepting Other SEO Member Cards

In accordance with the Principles of Cooperation, SEO member libraries are encouraged to honor library cards issued by any other SEO member library, as long as the patron’s account is in good standing.

Circulation rules and statistical reporting are determined by the library where the transaction occurs, not the library that originally issued the patron’s card.

Issuing New Patron Accounts

The SEO Advisory Committee recognizes that patrons may have valid reasons for requesting a library card from your location, such as access to local databases, programs, or library-specific resources.

If a patron already holds a card from another SEO member library, your library may issue a new account at its discretion, provided the existing account is in good standing.

Modifying Patron Accounts

Libraries are encouraged to update contact information in another library’s patron record when provided directly by the patron. However, the User Profile and User Library fields should not be modified without explicit permission from the library that issued the card.

Removing Patron Accounts

Patron accounts issued by other SEO member libraries should not be deleted. If your library issues a new card, encourage the patron to contact their previous library to request account removal, or offer to assist with the request. If the patron prefers to retain the original account, it will be automatically purged after three years of inactivity.

Patrons may wish to keep an account active to preserve access to digital checkouts or maintain their circulation history.

Patron Fines

Any SEO library member may accept payment for fines accrued by a patron, regardless of which member library the charges originated from.

Resources

Principles of Cooperation: https://support.servingeveryohioan.org/a/solutions/articles/69000214378

Member Contacts: https://members.servingeveryohioan.org