4.4. Patron Self-Registration

Last Updated 05/07/2024

Patron Self-Registration

Patron Self-Registration allows patrons to initiate registration for a library account through the OPAC. Patrons can fill out a web-based form with basic information that will be stored as a “pending patron” in Evergreen. Library staff can review pending patrons in the staff client and use the pre-loaded account information to create a full patron account. Pending patron accounts that are not approved within 7 days (for NC Cardinal libraries) will be automatically deleted.

Registration Form

In the OPAC, patrons will click on the link to Request Library Card.
Fill out the self-registration form to request a library card, and click Submit Registration.
Patrons will see a confirmation message that is configurable. The default message for NC Cardinal is: "Pre-registration successful! Please visit your local library in person to complete your registration. Bring picture ID and proof of local address."

Creating an Account for Online Resources

Some library systems use this form to allow eligible new patrons to register for access to online resources only, without requiring the patron to visit the library in person. Staff would need to regularly check for pending patron registrations to complete the registration for the new patron before the 7 day expiration, and assign the patron to the Internet permission group. Patrons do not need a separate Internet account if they already have an existing account at your system. All patron permission groups have access to online resources unless specifically blocked by the library system or if an individual's account is expired or blocked for specific reasons (such as for fines that exceed the threshold established by your library system).

Managing Pending Patrons

In the staff client select Circulation → Pending Patrons.
Select the patron you would like to review and click the Load Patron button to bring up the pending patron information in the Patron Registration form.
Review the patron information to determine whether the patron qualifies for an account based on the policies of your library system.
If the patron qualifies for an account, fill in the necessary information, such as the patron barcode and permission group, and click Save to create a permanent library account.
If you review and determine that the pending patron does not qualify for an account, do not save the account on the Patron Registration form. Instead, select the patron(s) that do not qualify and click the Delete Pending Patron(s) button to permanently delete those pending patron accounts.

Admin Options

Form Customizability

There are a number of ways that the self registration form can be customized for a library system. Not only can the look and feel of the form be modified, additional logic can be put in place to filter out or modify pending patrons before they reach the database.

View the Knowledge Book Page Self Registration Page Customizations for more details.

Email Notification

It may make sense for staff members to be notified when a new patron has registered. There's an action trigger in place that can deliver an email or SMS containing all of the patrons that have registered that day.

View the Knowledge Books page Pending Patron Emails for more details

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