September 2023

Quick Facts

• If a patron wants more privacy than a partial name, they can contact us. Staff can enter a different last name or use their User Key as the last name.
• Alias fields are no longer used.  See, Hold Slips.
• The Alias field does not work with Automated Materials Handling (AMH) and will be removed from patron's accounts in late September.
• See the User Key page for how to view and search by user keys.
• The patron can change their name for privacy, see entering ALT_NAMES and Name fields.

Procedure

If patrons want more privacy on their hold slips staff can offer to change the patron's last name to something else or use the User Key as their last name. The User key can be found in the glossary.

You can change the last name, not 21168 or Library Connect User IDs or ALT IDs, on patron accounts.

How to add a patron's user key as their last name

1. Use the Modify User wizard. 

2. Click the patron's name to open the glossary.
    

   

   
   

3. Copy the patron's user key from their account glossary.
    

   

   
   

4. Replace the patron's last name with the User Key. 
    

   

   
    

5. Add patron's full name to the ALT_NAMES field in the Extended Info tab.
   NOTE: Entering the patron's name on ID on their account is not required. 
    

6. Save.
    

   

Policy

Patrons who do not want their holds labeled with their partial last name may have their materials held under a different last name or use their User Key as their last name.

Patrons are not required to enter an ALT Name if there are safety or privacy concerns.

Staff are patrons and can have their personal library accounts updated by another staff person or, for added privacy, by Jen Steward. They may not access or update their own accounts in Symphony.