RE: Input pattern for patron names

["Ericsson, Paul" <PEricsson at onconcord dot com>]

Kristyn --

We had some challenges with getting the patron data from our previous system to be consistent on III. The field dictionaries were definitely different between the systems, and the data migration for patron records was alot more difficult than it was for the MARC bib & item data. It was for us the biggest headache of the migration.

Patron names -- Our input standards for many years on our old system was LAST NAME, FIRST NAME then MIDDLE INITIAL. whenever possible, and all caps.

Just for easy identification - when we did training and created "dummy patrons" we used Upper/lower case for names, so that if an overdue notice trickled out by mistake for one of the dummy training patrons, we would easily spot it.

Also, for address info, we have continued to use some older instructions for abbreviations for ST. AVE. and things like that. We are not sure at this point if the abbreviations are outdated, but we sure are consistent with what we've been using.

Last point - we have patrons fill out a paper application and that is data entered at the circ desk immediately. Then at a later time a circ person researches the full 9 digit zip code (no patrons know that off the top of the head). Then the staffer later data enters that full zip along with proofing the quick entry that was done while the patron waited. We are pleased with the quality of patron data in our database.

We do dislike the fact that III does not store the city/town, the state, and the zip in separate fields. It was a huge hassle for our data migration last year, and it continues to hamper what we can do with exporting the data to create mailing labels, reports and other things.

Good luck,

Paul
	___________________________________________

	Paul Ericsson
	Adult Services Supervisor / Automation Coordinator
	Concord Public Library    http://www.onconcord.com
	45 Green St.     Concord, NH 03301     603 230-3697
	pericsson at onconcord dot com
	___________________________________________
		

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Kristyn dot M dot Gonnerman at kp dot org [mailto:Kristyn dot M dot Gonnerman at kp dot org]
Sent: Monday, August 30, 2004 12:53 PM
To: innopac at innopacusers dot org
Subject: Input pattern for patron names


We just completed our initial training and profiling last week, and have 
one question I'd like to get outside input on:

We've learned that in inputting new patrons, the patron name fields are 
freetext, rather than having separate fields for lastname, firstname 
and/or a pre-determined order.  How are you handling this so that data 
entry is consistent?  If anyone would like to share policies, that would 
be greatly appreciated.  We are a 30 branch medical library consortium.
Thanks,

Kristyn Gonnerman, MLS
Asst. Librarian
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center
Fontana, CA
tie 250 ext 5086/outside 909-427-5086

"Kaiser Permanente Libraries help you make informed health care 
decisions."
--
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