[Publib] Credit Card verification for online registration [was: Credit card info from non-resident library cardpurchasers]

[Bruce Brigell]

We have considered using credit card information to allow immediate
online registrations off our library website. 

We use Innovative Interfaces and intend to purchase their E-Commerce
module soon to enable credit card payments in our OPAC. 

We have suggested that Innovative use the same system [VeriSign I
believe]to immediately validate online registration for library cards.
We have a goofy system now where users can fill out the form online, but
then need to come into the library to present proof of residency and get
the card. We find that only a small percentage of those who take the
time to fill out the form actually come in to pick up the card!  By
using credit card info. we could give online applicants who are willing
to register a card with us immediate access to online services and put a
card in the mail to them with lots of promotional info. to entice them
into our facility.

If anyone has implemented such a use of VeriSign, or other credit card
verification systems for online library card registration I'd be
interested in hearing about it.

Thanks
Bruce Brigell
Coordinator of Information Services
Skokie Public Library
5215 Oakton St.
Skokie, IL 60077
847/324-3142
847/673-7797 [fax]
bbrigell at skokielibrary.info 

-----Original Message-----
>From: Bob Watson <librarybob at gmail.com>
>Sent: Jul 26, 2006 11:42 AM
>To: publib at webjunction.org
>Subject: [Publib] Credit card info from non-resident library card 
>purchasers
>
>I'm wondering if any public libraries use credit card information as a 
>way of insuring non-resident user responsibility.
>
>My library is a member of an automation consortium where the issue of 
>non-resident library cards purchased by people living *out of state* is

>being discussed.  My own library is only a bit more than 4 miles from 
>the border and we do have the occasional opportunity to sell such 
>cards.
>
>There are several issues but my query is more focused.  I'm wondering 
>if anyone is taking credit card numbers (perhaps noted on a special 
>library card application) so as to have an easy way to collect for 
>fines, lost items, etc.
>
>If so, this might move the discussion toward some general consensus.
>
>Thank you in advance,
>
>
>Bob Watson
>Director
>Lake Villa District Library
>Lake Villa, IL


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