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now available at the Hickory
Public Library!
What is it?
Your H.E.L.P. Card is a Smart Card, containing a computer
chip, which enables you to check out a book, pay your fines, access the World
Wide Web via the Internet, and purchase copies from computer printers, copy
machines, and microfilm reader/printers.
Why is this card so special?
Hickory Public Library is the first public library in
North America to use Smart Card technology. This technology has been in use in
places such as the Olympics held in Atlanta, GA, Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte,
and the stadium of the Jacksonville Jaguars. The library has moved into second
generation smart card technology, using 3M's PAM system to replace the outdated
Diebold system.
How does it work?
It's like having a mini-computer in your wallet. The chip
in your card interacts with our computer system to debit or credit your account,
or to determine if you have permission to use the Internet as well as the level
of access. It also controls the amount of time you can spend on the
computer, and saves all your favorites and cookies to your card.
Do I have to add money to my card?
If you only want to check out materials, you will never be
required to put money on your card. However, it is necessary to have money
on your card if you wish to make copies from the computer printers, the copy
machines, or the microfilm reader/printers.
What if I lose my card?
Because the card requires the use of a password as well as
the card itself, any money you have on the card cannot be accessed by anyone
else. However, you should report the card lost and ask for a replacement.
There is a charge for a replacement card.
How do I use this card?
To check out items, you simply give the card to the
circulation desk attendant and he/she will read the bar code to check out any
materials you desire. Fines and fees may also be deducted at the
circulation desk, but only with your permission. To use the computers,
copiers, or microfilm reader/printers, insert your card in the card reader
attached to the machine or on the keyboard, and you're ready to go!
Where else can I use this card?
Both Patrick Beaver Memorial Library and Ridgeview Branch
use this card. Of course, you may also use this card in the Catawba County
Library System. Staff there will need to go through a registration process
to get you in their system on your first visit.
Further
FAQ about the H.E.L.P. card system
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