A normal checkout session would proceed as follows:

1. Staff member opens the Check Out screen (Circulation > Check Out).
2. Patron presents his/her library card (see: Library Card Required for Circulation).
3. Staff member scans card to retrieve account.
4. Staff member determines if patron is in good standing (i.e., not blocked, barred, inactive, exceeding fine limits).
5. Staff member scans barcodes of items presented for checkout.
6. Staff member clicks the “Done” button to prompt printing of checkout receipt.
7. Staff member should verbally inform patron of due dates. (It is good practice to also inform patron of due dates on any items already checked out on the account and to inform the patron of any fines owed.)

In most cases, a maximum of 50 items may be charged simultaneously on a PINES card [1999.05], [2002.12].

Materials circulate for varying periods of time; see the PINES Circulation Matrix for details on circulation rules.

Audio-visual materials (DVDs, games, etc.) are limited to 15 per patron at any given time [2013.05]. This policy supersedes any local limits that previously been used.

Any user may present another user’s card to check out materials. Library staff should remind all patrons at the time a card is issued that they are responsible for all items checked out on that card, and that lost cards should be promptly reported. (See: Lost / Stolen Cards) PINES libraries also have the ability to check out items on hold to an authorized proxy user (often husband or wife), as opposed to the user who originated the hold, while maintaining the integrity of the holds queue.

Policies regarding Proxy Borrowing and procedures for administering this feature are at the discretion of the individual library systems [2001.11]. The authorized proxy is not required to present the originator’s card, but the authorization for proxy permission should be noted in the Alert Message field. Because all library records are confidential in nature, PINES library staff must be aware that authorization of the originating user (the person placing the hold) is required for proxy checkout for all persons over 18 years of age.

Materials placed on hold by juveniles, as with any and all parts of the juvenile’s patron record, are accessible and may be checked out by parents or legal guardians without prior authorization.