In 2016, 3.8 million people walked through our doors. In contrast, 11.5 million people (defined by web sessions) made a web visit. Libraries everywhere are experiencing similar demand for online access, but are missing one essential component…a permanent, online library account. Other library systems offer online registration and skirt the residency issue by creating time or loan limits. But they always require the user to visit the library and show proof of residency.

IndyPL abandoned the face-to-face requirement and boldly moved to rely entirely on electronic residency validation. We transcended the obstacle of requiring physical proof of residency both tangibly using a residency validation tool as well as philosophically, letting go and trusting in the process. Approving accounts in ILS is not required. It spans the same three-year term like all library card accounts. Our research shows no other library is offering this type of permanent online account.

The project has exceeded expectations in its first two months. By June, Online Library Account registration surpassed in-library card registration at 12 of our 24 branches. Of all online users applying for a library account, positive verification was made for 24 percent. We anticipated 10 percent of all library cards would be applied for online, but realized 23 percent. Future plans include a major media roll-out in the Fall and to share our findings with other libraries.