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Checking Out without a library card present

Learn the best practice on how to check out to a patron who doesn't have a library card present (physical and or digital card). When checking out material to patrons without a library card, keep in mind the terms of financial responsibility.

Your patron without a card present

Does that patron have a photo ID?

  • Yes: Look the patron up by name and verify the address and phone number 
  • No: Follow local policy

Financial Responsibility:

  • Your patron - Your library assumes financial responsibility on their behalf for items they checkout from other libraries as part of the quarterly billing process.

Reciprocal borrowers without a card present

Does that patron have a photo ID?

  • Yes: Look the patron up by name and verify the address and phone number 
  • No: Do Not check out to the patron. 

Financial Responsibility:

  • Reciprocal Borrower (IN SWAN) - The patron's SWAN home library assumes financial responsibility for items they check out from libraries other than their home library as part of the quarterly billing reconciliation process.
  • Reciprocal Borrower (OUTSIDE SWAN) - The patron's home library is billed for lost material, not directly collected from the patron. 

​Tips to improve patron security 

  • When possible enter a patron photo into the record. Do not give out library card numbers.
  • It is also easy to guess library barcodes that may work, so be mindful of areas where this may occur and provide oversight of those processes.