County of Flagler issued the following announcement on August 4.
August 4, 2021 – There is an option for those who only wish to access electronic assets through the Flagler County Public Library – keep it virtual and get an e-card.
“During the onset of COVID, we allowed patrons to sign up virtually for a library card with the understanding once COVID was over they would need to come in complete the registration process to get their library cards,” said Library Director Holly Albanese. “In May 2021, we ended this service and it was only then that we found the barriers to getting a library card for many were not just COVID-related.”
Medical conditions, transportation challenges, and schedules that don’t mesh with the Library’s hours of operation were keeping some from taking advantage of the vast resources Flagler County makes available to its residents.
“We already had a virtual renewal process in place, so why not a virtual library card – or as we are calling it an e-card,” Albanese said. “We took the concept to our Board of Trustees in June, and it was immediately approved. The service officially began July 1.”
Patrons will begin the registration process using the online catalog at http://polaris.flaglercounty.org/polaris/. Then send a contact phone number, an image of a current picture ID, and proof of residency to cardrenewals@flaglercounty.org. Please allow 48 hours for a response that will include e-card information
Once registered, patrons will have access to online resources including Overdrive, Cloud Library, Hoopla, Mometrix, Gale Legal Forms (eBooks and eAudiobooks), PressReader (magazines/newspapers), as well as online databases such as Udemy, Gale databases and Brainfuse (HelpNow and LearnNow).
“Unfortunately they still will not have access to Westlaw (legal database) or Family Search (genealogy database),” Albanese said. “Those resources have no remote access at this time.”
Virtual renewals are still subject to the restrictions for all unresolved fines, fees and other claims.
Patrons always have the option of converting e-cards to standard library cards by visiting in person to make the change. Standard cards provide access to all of the electronic assets, as well as everything in print, books on CD, DVDs, and computer and printing services.
For more information, see the Library Card and Borrowing Policy or call customer service at 386-446-6763 option 1.
Original source can be found here.
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