Most online card systems are expensive and designed for adult card registrations only. With the advent of COVID-19 and all Grand Rapids public schools consequently moving to online learning for the fall of 2020, the challenge was to create an online card system that could accommodate both adult and juvenile card registrations and was not prohibitively expensive. Our new system ensures that both adults and juveniles can register for cards and enjoy access to library resources from home.

Staff built an online card system that integrates directly into the library’s ILS (Evergreen) and provides automatic service area verification. Users fill out the application form and upload pictures of their identification and proof of address. Once submitted, staff verify the information, create a library card and mail it to the address on file. The form was designed to make the sign-up process easy by allowing co-signers to request multiple juvenile cards at once rather than submitting separate applications.

The form was officially launched on September 30, 2020 and will be marketed to the Grand Rapids Public Schools in October of 2020. The form is projected to increase monthly library card registrations, particularly with juveniles. It is also anticipated to help strengthen the library’s relationship with local schools, as it is now much easier for teachers to encourage their students to obtain library cards.