BACKGROUND

One of the greatest assets of Michigan is its many libraries. Access to their collections is one vital part in assuring that Michigan citizens can obtain the information they need. The need for a statewide library card was reported in Information at Risk: Michigan Libraries in the 1990's, the Library of Michigan Board of Trustees Task Force study of library service to Michigan residents. Representatives of all types of libraries recognized this common area of interest.

Establishment of a statewide library card project and borrowing program was recommended by the Task Force as a method for improving access for Michigan citizens to the resources and information housed in Michigan libraries.

During its 1988-89 session, the Michigan legislature supported a pilot concept and authorized an initial state appropriation for this project. In order to support the local funding of Michigan public libraries, the MichiCard program of expanded access was developed for borrowers in good standing, to be offered only through their local library. Participation is not required but is a decision made by each library. The Library of Michigan administers the program, and a MichiCard Advisory Council provides assistance in development and implementation of operating policies and procedures.

PURPOSE

The voluntary participation of a library in the MichiCard statewide library card program provides a key to resources for many state residents. Through the increased availability of resources in participating libraries, library patrons have a "passport" to an expanded collection of knowledge and information. Increased library access helps to enhance the positive image of Michigan libraries, as well as providing improved library services for state residents.

MICHICARD PROVISIONS

• A voluntary program.
• All rules, policies and restrictions normally imposed by the local library will apply to persons presenting the MichiCard borrower's card.
• The library will issue the MichiCard borrower's card by affixing the MichiCard sticker to the individual library cards held by borrowers who are residents living in the library's legally established service area. The library "service areas" are defined as the institution's legally established service area.
• Libraries MAY NOT issue a MichiCard sticker to any non-resident who does not live in their service area or provide financial support for the library.
• MichiCard cardholders must register at each library that they use.
• MichiCard cardholders will not be charged a non-resident fee when borrowing books from participating libraries.
• Printed materials will be made available to MichiCard borrowers. Local library policies may permit the loaning of other types of materials to non-residents.
• The Library of Michigan will provide reimbursement for lost printed materials only.
• The Library of Michigan will reimburse libraries for postage costs associated with returning materials to another participating library.

LIBRARY ELIGIBILITY

• Eligible libraries include:

1. a public library;
2. a public elementary school or secondary school library. Charter school libraries are eligible within the public school category, if the charter school has been approved by the state of Michigan;
3. an academic library;
4. a research library that:

• makes publicly available library services and materials suitable for scholarly research and not otherwise available to the public; and
• is not an integral part of an institution of higher education; and

5. a private library, but only if the state in which such private library is located determines that the library should be considered a library for this purpose.

• To be eligible to participate in the MichiCard program, libraries must meet all of the following Library of Michigan criteria:

1. Have one or more paid library staff;
2. Have a regular schedule of library services;
3. Have a dedicated facility for library purposes;
4. Have an annual budget with funds reserved for library materials and services.

• Libraries wishing to participate must file a Board Resolution with authorized signatures, which contains the basic agreements required for the statewide card project.
• Libraries wishing to withdraw from the program must also provide a Board Resolution with authorized signatures stating their intent to withdraw.

REQUIREMENTS - CARD ISSUANCE

• The local library issuing a MichiCard should obtain the following information, if not already listed in their patron file:

• Borrower's name, address, zip code and phone number or information that adheres to local library policy.
• Borrower's driver's license, Michigan ID card or other proper identification. An adult parent or guardian should sign for children under age 18 (or the library will follow its own local policies for such cases).
• Assign a specific future expiration date, if appropriate.
• Affix the MichiCard sticker to the local library card.

REQUIREMENTS - CIRCULATION

• Participating libraries normally will lend only printed materials to non-residents presenting a MichiCard. Some libraries may loan other types of resources if their local policies permit.
• The rules of the lending library will apply to any loans made through MichiCard.

REQUIREMENTS - RETURN OF MATERIALS/OVERDUES

• Printed materials should be returned to the library from which they were borrowed. However, if they are returned to another participating library, the returning library can be reimbursed for the postage cost.
• Overdue notices will be prepared by the lending library and sent directly to the MichiCard borrower.
• The lending library may charge an overdue fine to a MichiCard borrower for late returns to their library. The overdue charges are levied at the rate set by library policy.
• The lending library shall notify the MichiCard cardholder's home library when the final overdue notice is sent. The home library that issued the MichiCard is expected to contact the borrower and strongly urge compliance with the request to return the borrowed material. To comply with the Michigan Library Privacy Act, a lending library may not disclose information that links a person's name to the description of the loaned materials.
• If materials are still not returned, the participating home library may suspend borrowing privileges on the borrower's MichiCard for:

• Non-return of overdue materials.
• Refusal to pay the overdue fee charges.

• In all cases, the individual borrower is responsible for overdue materials, overdue fees and for lost materials.

REIMBURSMENT FOR LOST PRINTED MATERIALS AND POSTAGE

• After both the lending and home libraries have exhausted all normal means of obtaining delinquent materials from the MichiCard borrower, the lending library may submit a MichiCard Claim Form to the Library of Michigan. Each lost item must be listed individually and include documentation to support the amount to be reimbursed for each printed item. There is a $200.00 maximum reimbursement per item.
• A library requesting reimbursement must submit a MichiCard Claim Form to the Library of Michigan. The library must include the number of printed items returned, the name of the participating library the materials are being returned to and the cost of postage for returning those items.

REQUIREMENTS - CONTINUED SERVICES

• All participating libraries must continue to maintain local services, programs and collections. The MichiCard program cannot be used by a library to reduce, or not improve, the level of local services due to its participation.
• The MichiCard program shall not infringe upon or affect any existing contractual agreements in the participating library's service areResidents of contract service areas are eligible for a MichiCard only while the contract is in force.
• Participating libraries shall keep appropriate records and statistics for project evaluation and monitoring.
• Participating libraries agree to complete a brief annual survey form relating to MichiCard activities.

LIBRARY OF MICHIGAN RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Library of Michigan will provide statewide direction and coordination of the MichiCard program and shall:

• Develop guidelines for implementation.
• Produce informational and promotional materials including MichiCard stickers, posters, flyers, guidelines, news releases and related printed materials.
• Prepare and distribute a list of participating libraries in the MichiCard program on a regular basis.
• Develop and provide all necessary applications, agreements, statistical collection forms, reimbursement claim forms and procedural guidelines.
• Prepare and distribute annual evaluations, statistics and information related to the MichiCard project.
• Accept all MichiCard borrowers.

These guidelines reviewed 01/09/2008.