Book Buzz
By CATHLEEN FISH
Hillsboro Public Librarian
What on earth is a Kansas Library Card? How is it different from a regular Hillsboro Public Library card?
The Kansas Library Card is your entry to FREE on line library resources, including high quality information and research databases. It is the perfect solution for anyone needing information whether for school or personal enrichment.
The card provides access to the following databases; Custom Newspapers, FirstSearch, Heritage Quest, Infotrac, Literature Resource Center, NetLibrary e-Books, OverDrive audio books and music, Proquest Nursing Journals, SIRS Discoverer Deluxe (for grades K-12), and WorldBook.
The card is free of charge for residents of Kansas and is a service of the State Library of Kansas.
Hillsboro Public Library requests that the applicant show proof of ID such as a current driver's license or school ID. There is no age limit, however Hillsboro Public Library requires that an adult accompany a young person or student without a photo ID.
Young people who have not yet learned to read or type will need an adult's assistance. The card does not allow the checkout of library materials; it is a tool to access digital information only.
Apply in person at your local library or school. Staff will enter your full name and birth date into the Kansas Library Card database. The patron will then receive a card with a PIN number and expiration date. It is necessary to know your PIN number to access the databases. The card provides access for one year from the date issued. To renew your card simply renew online or visit your local library before the card expires.
You also may apply online for a temporary 30-day account. You will then have 30 days to show up in person at your local library to validate your account.
The Kansas Library Card works with any computer with Internet access and Web browser Internet Explorer or Netscape version 4.0 or higher set to accept cookies. Web TV users must have version 2.8 of MSN TV.
Your name, date of birth, and Kansas Library Card PIN are the only personal information kept on the Kansas Library Card computer.
Are you worried that someone will watch what databases you access? The State Library of Kansas provides the following privacy statement: "Activity data incurred by use of the Kansas Library Card for remote access to online databases is collected. Such data is collected to determine the usefulness of the card. Personal information will be kept confidential to the extent of the law."
The individual databases will be explained in detail in the next few weeks. Patrons are encouraged to take advantage of this very valuable FREE resource!
