[OPLINLIST] Smart phone Library Card application

[Eric Taggart]

Even though I understand what some of you skeptics are saying about this, I
think it is a very paranoid view- most people (and I mean, like 98% of
people) would not do what Dan and Avery are suggesting.  It may be a very,
very occasional problem, but it isn't going to become a "huge" problem, in
my opinion (and you are certainly free to disagree with me).

If you are going to ask for photo ID with the barcode, you might as well
just tell people they can't use their smart phones to check out.  I think if
you are going to require photo ID with the smart phone, you are creating a
policy for an incredibly small fraction of the population; meanwhile, you
are punishing everyone else.  Also, the two percent (that may actually be a
high estimate) that you are creating the policy for?  They will just find
another way to burn you, because you can't out-policy them.  I also think
that if we don't accept these types of applications on smart phones, it just
gives more ammunition to those who believe public libraries are outdated.

Who knows, maybe I'll feel differently if and when this really catches
on...but I doubt it because I think it is more about one's public library
philosophy than it is about smart phones and new technology.

Eric


-- 
Eric D. Taggart, Director
Coshocton Public Library
655 Main Street
Coshocton, Ohio  43812
Phone: 740.622.0956
Fax: 740.622.4331
coshoctonlibrary.org


On Mon, Aug 22, 2011 at 11:42 AM, Avery Shifflett <shifflav at oplin.org>wrote:

>
>
> I'd actually like to see some more discussion on the security aspect of
> using barcode apps on smart phones.  I think Dan Will brought up an
> excellent point about patrons being able to enter any number they like.  I
> can see this becoming a huge problem.  Anyone tech savvy enough to use such
> an app will figure out that they can enter any number they like.  As long as
> the barcode meets the check digit, they can literally use anyone's account.
>
> Personally, I'm thinking that if we accept it, we need a photo ID as well
> (as the original poster asked).
>
> One person said: "there isn’t a way to verify that the person holding the
> card is the person you issued the card to, so why would the device be any
> different?", but I see it as being very different.  A physical card would
> have to be lost for someone else to use it, and the patron can report it
> lost/missing.  With a barcode app, anybody can use my account even though my
> physical card is safely tucked away.
>
>
> Thoughts anyone?
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Avery Shifflett
> Carroll County District Library
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ========================================================================================
>
>
> 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
> willda at oplin.org
> 740.992.5813
> 740.992.6140 (fax)
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