The Austin Public Library implemented a portal to ease the library card renewal process for customers. The online renewal process provides a convenient and easy way to access APL resources, including virtual services to our most under-served populations, such as the elderly, the home-bound and other users with mobility or transportation challenges who find it difficult to navigate around the City of Austin.

The library’s Customer Service and Information Systems teams together created an online portal and process for our customers to renew their library cards by completing a simple form and providing basic user information and personal identity documents. Once submitted, the user’s information is reviewed by APL’s Customer Service, usually by the end of the day. Once approved, the user receives confirmation of their library card renewal via email, giving full access to the library.

Having rolled out to positive reviews and continuously growing in popularity, the online library card renewal process provides an easy and convenient means of access to APL resources for those populations we already serve, such as students, small business owners and busy families.