When we issue library materials, we always give paper receipts. The receipts double as a security measure and a polite reminder of the due dates of the materials. Patrons often use them as bookmarks, which, y’know, makes sense.
Patron: I’d like to renew this book.
Me: Do you have your library card?
Patron hands me a piece of paper that has a picture of a library card on it.
Me: What is this?
Patron: This is everything they gave me!
Me: Who is “they”?
Patron: Someone sitting here.
Me: Someone at this desk gave you this specific card-shaped piece of paper with no barcode.
Patron: Yes!
Me: They definitely did not do that. We sometimes will give an 8.5×11 sheet of paper with this image and more information, but we wouldn’t cut it out here. Can I see your ID please?
Patron: Do you need the receipt?
Me: Nah, save your bookmark. Just need your license or passport or whatever you got.
Patron hands me their license and I look them up in the system.
Patron: And I have the receipt!
Me: I don’t need it, thank you
I’m already done with the renewal when Patron hands me the receipt.
Patron: But I have this already!
Me: And now you have a new one with the new due date.
Patron: Oh.
Patron: Shit
Patron: I lost my place in the book.
Me: I told you!