Reader Registration

[Richard Lindemann <Richard_Lindemann@UCSDLIBRARY.UCSD.EDU>]

          The mundane requires that I identify pertinent
          considerations for determining a retention schedule for
          Reader Registration Forms.  Our readers register annually,
          and the form serves several purposes:
          1. obtaining "directory" information (name, address, etc.)
          2. recording picture i.d. data
          3. compiling research interests and other demographic data
          4. conveying "Rules of Use" and obtaining signatory
                acknowledgement of those rules

          Aside from the possibility of wanting some day (supported by
          a grant, no doubt) to retrospectively cull the data for
          interesting studies of user habits and demographic profiles,
          and aside from the potentials of automation, are there
          more immediate administrative or legal applications in the
          long-term retention of these records?

          I welcome comments about how long you retain such forms and
          what compels you to do so.  If you'd like to respond
          privately, I will be happy to summarize practices and
          rationales for the list.

          Thanks.
          Richard Lindemann
          Special Collections, UC San Diego
          rlindemann@ucsd.edu
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