18 October 2000
Re passwords...
Quite a number of libraries here in the States
are now providing/beginning to provide/considering
providing patrons with remote access to databases.
Most libraries who are currently providing such
access use the bar code on the patron's library
card as a password. An example of a large library
system which does this is New York Public. It
works like a dream. (I live in NYC and hold a New
York Public card. I use the remote access all the
time.)
No additional staff time is needed to assign
another unique password.
The major OPAC vendors also offer an option of
using the patron's barcode combined with a pin
number (similar to the number you use to access
your bank account through an automated teller
machine).
However, if the New York Public experience is
any indication, the extra effort of assigning/
keeping track of/entering an additional pin
number does not seem to be necessary.
Kind regards,
Grace-Ellen McCrann
Special Collections Librarian
The New Jersey Historical Society
52 Park Place
Newark, NJ 07102 USA
(973) 596 8500, Ext 249
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