Patron Point

Welcome to our Patron Point Hub! This page will have everything you need to understand what Patron Point is, how it helps our patrons, and where we are at in the process of implementing it. This page will also be your resource for promotional and training materials as you prepare to rollout this new resource.

FEATURES

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Online Library Card Registration

Both adults and minors can apply for library cards in one simple step
Utilizes GIS software to confirm that patrons live in your service area
Barcodes are issued immediately after verification, which can take between five minutes and a few hours

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Automated Email Campaigns

Welcome emails introduce patrons to the library
Renewal Reminds urge patrons to visit their library to renew
Rising Adult emails encourage newly-turned 18 patrons to switch over to an adult card

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Library Card Auto- Renewal

Adult patrons who are in good standing and have an email attached to their account are eligible for auto-renew.
8 days before the patron’s expiration due date, Patron Point will attempt to verify the patron’s identity and residency.
If this can be verified, the patron will be auto renewed.

FAQ

Staff and Patron Frequently Asked Questions

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How long does It take to get a result?

It can take between a few minutes and a few hours, depending on the verification process.

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Will the library receive an email when someone registers?

The library will not receive an email, only the patron. Libraries will receive a monthly report of PP registrants.

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How can we tell who has registered using PP?

There is a PMESSAGE assigned to each patron that will notify you that the patron used PP to register.

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How do card renewal reminders work?

Currently the renewal reminders are simply emails encouraging patrons to visit the library to renew their cards.

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What about Auto-Renew?

Adult patrons who owe <$10 and have an email will be run through PP’s verification service 8 days prior to their expiration date. If they can be verified, they will be renewed for your library’s usual period of time automatically.

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Are there more features coming?

Yes! After getting the kinks ironed out with registration, more features will be forthcoming.

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I can't merge an existing record with a Patron Point Record - Wy?

Patron records are not able to be merged if one of the records has any of the following conditions: 1. There are items waiting to be picked up (on the holdshelf); 2. There is a virtual item record in existence (MeLCat); or 3. The resulting record would be too large (over 100k – things like note fields contribute to this). Wait for the conditions to clear and then merge.

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What if a patron used their barcode number for OverDrive and now wants a physical card. Do we have to merge the records?

Yes! If the records are not merged, the patron will lose their reading history and holds.

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Okay, how do I merge those records?

You do it at the library level. Sign in to Overdrive Marketplace, Click “support” on the blue ribbon, and click “merge user ids”. It will ask for the old and the new barcode, enter them. Click “search”, if everything looks right, go ahead and click “merge”.