Patron EMAIL Addresses

As the circulation functions become more and more automated in Millemium, patron email addresses become more useful and important. MaryLou is currently working to add more email addresses from CURRENT patrons (and getting good response!).

When signing people up for NEW cards, please be sure to ask for email addresses. As most people now have and use email, asking for it "as a matter of course" is the best way to get the info. In other words, don't ask IF they have an email address, just ask for their email address. If someone asks why we want it, let them know that having the info means that they will get hold and overdue notices via email. Let them know that we DO NOT SELL OR SHARE their email address with anyone. Certainly a patron can decide that they don't want to give us the email (or they may not have one or they may prefer a phone call on a holds notice), but if we are consistent with asking, we'll get more response.

Also, if working with a current patron, if you think of it, look at their record. If they do not show an email address, ask for it - the more email addresses we have, the less time we spend on the phone, and the easier it is for the patron to receive important info such as overdue notices.

THANKS!