Plastic Library Cards

["Betsy O'Connell" <oconnell@xxxxxxxxxx>]

I am looking for input from libraries that are using Innovative and are printing patron names and other information on plastic card stock.

We are planning to switch from laminated paper library cards to plastic library cards with pre-printed barcodes.  We currently print patron names and addresses on the paper cards by exporting the data from Innovative and then importing it to an Access database for formatting and printing.  As we make this transition, we are hoping to streamline this process.

Specifically, I would like to know:
  a.. What information are libraries printing on patron cards?
  b.. How does the information get from the Innovative server to the card?  Manual re-entry? Export/import? SIP?
  c.. What hardware and software are being used to print the cards?
  d.. Are the cards mailed out or given to patrons at the time of registration?
Of course, if you have information to share on this topic that doesn't fall within these points, I welcome that as well.

Thanks!

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Betsy O'Connell, Head of Automation Services 
Gail Borden Public Library District 
270 North Grove Avenue, Elgin, IL  60120 
847-742-2411 x4689  FAX 847-742-0485 
oconnell@xxxxxxxxxx   http://www.gailborden.info

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