BPL does online library card registration
I got this a few weeks back, and didn’t get to post it. It’s probably been around the blogosphere, but figured I’d share just in case it hasn’t, especially for librarians in Massachusetts.
For a limited time, “anyone who lives, works, attends school, or owns property in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is at least 13 years of age” can sign up for a Boston Public Library temporary library card online. So, if you work in a Massachusetts library, and would love for a patron to be able to access a resource through the BPL, that patron can sign up for a temporary eCard. The temporary eCards last 6-months before they expire, but upgrades for lifelong cards are available if you go to a BPL branch with proper ID.
The FAQ doesn’t mention if you can sign up for a new temporary if your initial temporary expires. It does, however, mention that you can download audio, video, and music as well as access the databases with the temporary card.
We’ve been talking about doing something similar at my library. The biggest issue is making it instant, a la BPL, as opposed to doing it by hand then calling or sending something to the patron. I haven’t talked to the network yet, it’s on my ever-growing list of projects (all fun, mind you) at RPL. In the meantime, BPL electronic access, even if temporary, is a great advance, and useful resource for MA libraries to know about.
Tags: checkitout
