August 2020

Quick Facts

• ​​​​​When a patron signs up for a library card:
  • Evaluate the needs of the patron.
  • Give the patron the Your Guide to Multnomah County Library brochure.
  • When giving a child a library card, give their adult the Parents Guide and other relevant information.
  • If you still have the patron's attention, go over basic library use information.
  • If patron is still interested or needs more information on services, programs and classes, offer event flyers and other resources.
• Do your best to be welcoming. Encourage patrons to come to staff with questions and problems. 

Application

1. Evaluate the needs of the patron

What information does this patron need? 

• Is the patron rushed or do they have time for questions?
• Is this patron new to public libraries?
• Is a bilingual staff member or other interpretation service needed? IRCO or VRI (available at Central, Gresham and Rockwood)?
• What library options, services, and programs will work well for this patron?

2. Give the patron the Your Guide to Multnomah County Library brochure

Most of the information below is in the brochure. If the patron does not want verbal information, give them the brochure and offer to answer questions.

3. Children

•    Give child or parent the Parent's Guide to Multnomah County Library brochure.
•  If parent is not present: ask child to give the brochure to an adult at home.
•  If parent is present: offer the brochure and mention it's a good idea to keep a copy of the child's card number to access the      child's account information.

4.  If you still have the patron's attention, go over basic library use information

This should take one minute or less.

• The library has materials, information, classes and programs.
  • Contact the library - questions are answered in person, online, and on the telephone.
  • The library's website contains information about the library, plus access to the library catalog, the patron's account, and electronic resources.
  • There are 19 locations in this library system. Items may be checked out and returned at any library. All locations have 24-hour book drops.
• Checking out materials
  • The patron is responsible for items checked out on this card. Ask the patron to alert the library if the card is lost or stolen, or if the contact information changes.
  • Most materials may be checked out for 3 weeks - including DVDs and Blu-rays.
  • Items will be auto-renewed 3 days before the due date up to the maximum 50 times, with some exceptions.
  • Patron is responsible for returning items by the due date. Items not returned 49 days after the due date will be billed to the patron.
• Computer use
  • 4 hour per day per person, plus all locations have laptop computers that may be checked out for 2 hours.
  • How to sign up and log on with card number and password.
  • If using computers or the Internet is new to the patron, there are classes that can get them started.
  • In addition to the Internet, there are online databases, magazines, video, audio, selected websites, kid and teen pages, and the Homework Center.

5.   If patron is still interested or needs more information on services, programs and classes

• Program information and sign up are online using Event Finder. (Or give specific brochures.)
• Service to children and parents: storytimes, website and homework help.
• Service to non-English speakers: bilingual staff, plus classes, intercambios, storytimes and web site.
• Booklists and research assistance.
• Check out books, DVDs, videos, CDs, and sheet music. Look at government documents, periodicals and rare books.
• Does the patron want to volunteer? Information online or in brochure.
• Services for homebound, educators, job seekers, small businesses and senior citizens.

Policy

The library will issue a library card free of charge to any applicant who meets the requirements. The patron record is then created following the instructions in Entering new records. At the time of registration, the new patron is briefly given information about using Multnomah County Library.

Rationale

Many new patrons are unfamiliar with public libraries in general or the specific offerings of Multnomah County Library. Briefly sharing services and programs available is welcoming and informative.