1. Check for Existing Accounts: To avoid creating a duplicate record, library staff should always search for the patron’s name in the Evergreen patron database before entering a new patron record. The “Include inactive patrons?” box should be checked and the “Limit results to patrons in:” option should be set to “PINES.” If an identical name is found, compare the address, birth date, and other identifying information on the screen with the card application to determine if the patron is already registered in the system.

• If you find the patron already has a record in the system, DO NOT create another record. Instead, update the existing record with the corrected information.
• If the patron’s information is outdated, update the information. (See: Updating Accounts)
• If a patron has lost his or her card, issue a replacement card and charge the replacement fee. (See: Lost Cards)

2. Create New Account: If the name is NOT found in the database, open the Register Patron screen. The PINES user record can contain as many addresses as necessary, and notes and comments that display to all PINES facilities. Required fields are:

• Barcode
• OPAC/Staff Client User Name
• Password
• Verify Password
• First Name
• Middle Name is strongly encouraged but not required.
• Last Name
• Date of Birth
• Primary Identification Type (and information)
• Home Library
• Main (Profile) Permission Group (See: User Permission Groups)
• Privilege Expiration Date
• Internet Access Level
• Address (Type, Postal Code, Street (1), City
• Response to the Voter Registration Survey Question (See: Voter Registration Survey)
• See Also: Account Registration Field Descriptions

3. Save: When you are finished entering the patron’s information, click the Save button and ask the patron to sign on the signature strip on the PINES card. It is a local decision on the part of each Library System whether the PINES card will be given to the user at registration or be mailed [1999.10]. Consult your circulation supervisor for the policy at your library.

4. Records Retention: Follow local policy for storing signed applications. (See: Record Retention Policies)

Patrons may fill out an online application form on the PINES OPAC (Patron Self-Registration Form) to register for a new library card. The patron must visit the library in person within 14 days to show proof of ID so that the staff can complete the registration form and issue the library card. In order to capture a signature, library staff can print off the completed patron account form from within the Evergreen Staff Client so that the patron may sign it and the staff may initial it. These printouts should be stored with all other registration forms following the library’s document retention policies. [2014.05] (See: Record Retention Policies)

When the patron comes into the library to complete the registration process, staff should:

1. Open the list of pending patron applications and retrieve the patron information (Circulation > Pending Patrons).
2. In a separate tab, search to verify that the patron does not already have a PINES card. (If they do, update the existing account rather than creating a new account.)
3. If no existing account exists, complete the patron registration form. Be sure to confirm that the information the patron entered matches the information on the ID that is presented.

When a member of a family residing at the same household as an existing member is registering for an account, the Save and Clone function can be used. The cloned patrons will automatically be grouped with the first patron.

1. Register the first family member using the procedure outlined above (or, Edit the account of an existing family member).
2. Click Save and Clone.
3. Complete the patron information as normal, modifying the information that was filled in automatically as needed.

• Sample Patron Form 1 (Text Only): English | Spanish
• Sample Patron Form 2 (Formatted): Editable Word Document | PDF Form
• Sample Institution Forms: Sample 1 | Sample 2