Birthdates in patron records
Now that SAM installations are proceeding, we're looking at the birth date fields in patron records, and seeing a lot of records with birth dates far in the future. (SAM uses the birth date, rather than the Ptype, to determine if a patron is a juvenile.) While I'm a big fan of science fiction movies, I don't believe in time travel happening just yet. These records are likely either data entry errors, or staff have entered made-up dates because patrons don't want to give out their birth date.
However, birth date is an important tool in making sure we don't issue duplicate patron cards, and can accurately identify a particular patron. The OWLSnet patron registration procedures require a birth date, a change that was approved at the January 2007 AAC meeting, where we agreed that a birth date is required and "all patrons must supply a birth date to be given a card."
If you'd like a list of your patrons with birth dates in the future, or under any particular age, just send your request to the OWLSnethelp list - we'll be happy to help you find them.
However, birth date is an important tool in making sure we don't issue duplicate patron cards, and can accurately identify a particular patron. The OWLSnet patron registration procedures require a birth date, a change that was approved at the January 2007 AAC meeting, where we agreed that a birth date is required and "all patrons must supply a birth date to be given a card."
If you'd like a list of your patrons with birth dates in the future, or under any particular age, just send your request to the OWLSnethelp list - we'll be happy to help you find them.
