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JBSA News
NEWS | Nov. 25, 2009

Library changes cardholder policy

By Sharon Amann Lackland Library

There's a new cardholder registration policy at the Lackland main and patient libraries designed to more effectively keep track of materials checked out at both locations.

Cards are now issued solely in the sponsor's name with family members attached to the same registration.

"This has been a long time coming," said Lenore Shapiro, Director of the Lackland Library system. "Under the old policy members of the same family could get library cards if they carried a military dependent identification card. But, we had trouble getting materials back from family members when the sponsor transferred because the computer program didn't associate them with the out-processing military member."

The new registration form requires sponsor information including local address and telephone, duty address and telephone number, sponsor's office symbol and a military e-mail address. Library staffers no longer take Social Security numbers. Instead, the library circulation system creates a unique profile for each account using the sponsor's birth date and initials.

"Spouses can still get cards without the sponsor being present, but they should have all of this information so we can create an account," Ms. Shapiro said. "Family members with ID cards have permission to use the account, unless the sponsor chooses to withhold permission."

Circulation rules also have changed on some materials to better track them with the new card policy.

Four DVDs can be checked out per family. Meanwhile, Rosetta Stone or other downloadable language programs and CLEP study materials on DVD or CD-ROM are limited to one per family.

"These specialized media programs can cost more than $600 per unit. We want to minimize the amount of money a military member might owe to the government should one be lost or damaged," Ms. Shapiro explained.

Active-duty members temporarily assigned to Lackland for at least two weeks can register for a short-term library account.

Temporary library users will not be issued a library card, but may use their military ID card to check out materials. Checkouts are limited to five items, including two media items such as DVDs or CDs.

Temporary users may not check out downloadable language material.

Patrons registering for temporary library privileges must provide a local address or PSC box plus the address and office symbol of the unit they're attached to while at Lackland and their departure date.

Gateway Inn room numbers are not accepted as local addresses because the inn does not accept mail for its guests.

Technical training students and international students attending the Defense Language Institute and the Inter American Air Forces Academy must also provide the name and phone number of their military training leader.

"This is more information to give but we need it to track down our materials if they are not returned," Ms. Shapiro said. "We don't charge fines for overdue materials, but we are stewards of Air Force property and are responsible that it's available for everyone in the Lackland community."