In Swindon we used to require patrons to login to a secure section of our website to access online resources, but an 'upgrade' to our LMS removed this functionality and for some time now we have used direct library card number login for each resource, with the accompanying problems of online only patrons' membership unknowingly expiring. One hidden consequence of this is that technically it puts us in breach of the terms and conditions for all our online contracts, as they all specify that remote access is only permissible to registered library members. It also means that patrons whose cards have been blocked for any reason, or even who have been barred from the service completely, can still access the resources remotely.
When we did use a secure login, I don't think the LMS recorded a remote login as Last Use, but it did solve the problem of lapsed members, as they had to renew their membership to maintain remote access.
Another, probably slightly off topic benefit was that it increased traffic through our webpages, as we find with card number login most patrons simply save the actual database login page to their favourites and never visit the library website.
Paul Gahan ([log in to unmask])
Librarian: Information & Local Studies
Libraries
Swindon Borough Council
Tel: 01793 463784
Web: http://www.swindon.gov.uk/libraries
http://www.flickr.com/swindonlocal
-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Lightowlers, Michael
Sent: 28 July 2011 16:17
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Loss of online-only users
Here in Westminster we're concerned about losing memberships of people who have signed up for our online resources, and who then don't use the libraries for borrowing books. Lack of activity on the membership database does mean that their memberships will be purged, but they won't be aware of it since they continue to have access to online databases.
Have any authorities found a solution to this problem? I'm aware that some libraries require customers to log on to their opacs before having access to online goodies (a secure referring URL). Does this solve the problem, and are there authorities who have implemented this solution with Sirsi-Dynix Symphony?
Any information gratefully received, and I'll share it with the list.
Michael Lightowlers
Marylebone Information Service Manager
Libraries and Culture
020 76411031
[log in to unmask]
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