Overview | Training | Vendor Contact | Marketing

Overview

In April 2005, Maryland Public Libraries will launch a special statewide public library card. The new card is a part of a marketing initiative to build awareness of statewide public library services among Maryland residents.

The statewide public library card will be one card that can be used to register with any county public library system in the State. For example, a Howard County patron could go to Baltimore County and register with their statewide public library card. For the staff registering the patron, the process will be simplified with new statewide software that will enable one county system to retrieve a patrons record from their home library system and import it into their own.

There are some standards that have been agreed upon for initial registration of patrons with the statewide public library card, but once a patron is registered they will follow the local policies and procedures for each library that they use.

A unique element of this statewide project will be the design of the card itself. The card will be lenticular, meaning the card will have two separate images that appear depending on the angle at which you hold the card. One image will be the local county public library card, the second image will be a special statewide design. Each of the 24 public library systems will be able to retain local branding while promoting statewide services.

The card will be launched during National Library Week 2005 with a special campaign. Marketing materials and templates for publicity will be provided to staff, and each library system will have an opportunity to send individuals so that we will all be equipped to use the new software and deliver a consistent message to the public.

This is an exciting undertaking as no other state has the participation of all of its public libraries in such a cooperative effort.

Training

There will be 5 training sessions around the state to prepare for the launch of the new Maryland Public Libraries Statewide Card. The training is designed to give the staff all the information they need to help create a successful project. A train-the-trainer model will be used, with all of the resources available on the web for training additional staff.

Schedule

March 22, Abingdon Branch, Harford Library
March 24, SMRLA
March 28, West County, AACPL
April 1, ESRL
April 5, WMPL

Training Registration Form and More Information

Training Documents

Cooperative Borrowing (Word)
Reciprocal Borrowing FAQ (Word)
Reciprocal Borrowing (PowerPoint)
URSA Reciprocal Borrowing (PowerPoint)
Statewide Card Training Scenarios (PowerPoint)
Dynix - URSA Technical Specifications (PDF)