#113: Ask for a family name

Since many languages structure people’s names different than the English [personal name] [extra name] [family name] format, watch for this when registering patrons for library cards. Your application, if you have one, might be better asking for “personal name” and “family name” instead of “first name” and “last name.” As much as possible, incorporate this in your ILS, so that notifications aren’t going out to “Mr. Min Su” while informal staff members are saying, “Hi, Kim!” when Kim Min Su comes in. Mr Kim’s American ID may have Kim listed as his “first” name and “Min” or “Min Su” listed as his last name, but in Korean the family name comes before the personal name.