Streamline Online Membership Application
Vaughan Public Libraries
Innovation Synopsis
The online registration at Vaughan Public Libraries has been streamlined and enhanced to instantly generate a real membership barcode that completely integrates with the Integrated Library System (ILS). Customers who have registered online can immediately enjoy our digital resources, databases and place holds on physical materials with the digital barcode.
Challenge/Opportunity
Previously, with online registration, citizens had to pick up library cards in person before they could enjoy library service. With the pandemic shutdown, citizens could not come to the library in-person for new library cards. There was a need to remove barriers for the newly registered members to access library service without physically visiting the library.
Key Elements of Innovation
VPL had the online registration fully integrated with the ILS. This made it possible for customers to register online and instantly get a digital library card that is available for the use of library digital resources and databases and to register for library online programs.
Achieved Outcomes
In 2019, only 10.83% of new members applied for their membership online (1,651 out of 15,237 total new members in the year). In a typical month of September 2019, 11.02% of new members applied online (167 out of 1,515). In September 2020, when in-person library service resumed at all branches, our online membership application increased to 27.27% (340) of the total new members of the month (1,247).