[OPLINLIST] Smart phone Library Card application

[Dan Will]

Bruce,

   I have not seen this and since I don't have a "smartphone" I won't be
using it but, my opinion is that the library card was given to the patron as
their method of identification. They knew that when they got the card. They
cannot (reasonably) expect you to accept something else.  What prevents the
user from putting just any number in the app and have it create a barcode
that might actually be someone else's number? I can see where this might be
something to work towards for our patrons but, I think we need a way to
control the id creation (unless there is security controls that I am unaware
of).

Be interesting to see how this plays out.

 

Dan Will

Technology Supervisor

Meigs County District Public Library

 <mailto:willda at oplin.org> willda at oplin.org

740.992.5813

740.992.6140 (fax)

 

"When you are growing up there are two institutional places that affect you
most powerfully: 

the church that belongs to God and the public library that belongs to you.  

The public library is the great equalizer." 

Keith Richards

 

 

 

From: oplinlist-bounces at lists.oplin.org
[mailto:oplinlist-bounces at lists.oplin.org] On Behalf Of Bruce Landis
Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2011 3:38 PM
To: 'SEO Library Mailing List'; OPLINLIST
Subject: [OPLINLIST] Smart phone Library Card application

 

Last night we had our first appearance of a patron using their Smartphone
and a LibraryCard application. 

 

In short, this application allows the user to load their Library Card number
onto the device and then use the device to present a 'barcode' when checking
out.  It is being used for coupons and boarding passes among other uses.

 

Example:

Use Your Smartphone as your Library Card!

CardStarYour library card can be digitized on your iPhone or iPod touch,
Android, or BlackBerry using CardStar! CardStar is an app that allows you to
consolidate your reward and club cards from grocery stores, video stores and
the like onto your smartphone. It's entirely free and can be set up in
minutes!

Results:   1. The 'barcode' as presented would not scan via our Metrologic
laser scanner.  2. The patron was rather belligerent in demanding that we
accept this method of 'ID';  3.  Circulation staff had not had any advance
familiarity or experience with this development; 4. We have not had a policy
in place for this development.

I would like to get feedback from the Ohio Library community in a few areas:

1.       Should this method be allowed without reservation or should
additional ID be requested to validate the device?

2.       What barcode readers or configuration settings will 'handle' this
display type?

3.       What anecdotal examples can you contribute concerning these
applications?

4.       Are you currently presenting these applications to your patrons?

Thanks for any information you can share.

Bruce Landis

Technology Specialist 
Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library 
mailto:landisbr at oplin.org
v.(740) 702-4115 fx.(740) 702-4118 

 

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