Library Card: Rights and Opportunities of Library Users in the United States

Abstract

Getting acquainted with the experience of library and information services in foreign libraries is an important component of professional development. Organization of library activities in libraries of the United States, introduction and use of advanced innovative technologies in all areas of their work is of particular interest to specialists. User access to library resources and services is provided through library card in its usual physical form and its electronic and biometric counterparts. If we call library a “door to knowledge,” then library card seems to be a “key” to this door. The article considers the experience of registering new readers, regulation of user access to library resources in US public libraries, the opportunities that open up to holders of library card; the risks that libraries are exposed to in the event of unauthorized use of library card. The author emphasizes that presence of a library card is not mandatory for library visitors, but it provides access to a full range of library and information services. In addition, the holders of library card receive additional privileges. In particular, they have free access to historical and cultural centres, memorials, botanical gardens and museums. The article also discusses the issues of modernization of library cards in modern society and their use in future. The author comes to the conclusion about the continuing evolution of library card, during which not only its appearance changes, but also expands the range of functions performed by it. At the same time, library card continues to preserve its main mission of the “pass to the world of knowledge”.