JULAC Library Cards give you access to other UGC-funded libraries. The existing card is a non-laminated folded paper card which is not very durable. Each library issues their own barcode when users register there. Users are also required to bring copies of their JULAC card application form when registering at each host library. This is very cumbersome, and a Task Force for JULAC Card Project, chaired by HKUST in collaboration with other UGC-funded libraries, was formed in April 2013 – with the aim of designing a better JULAC library card and streamlining the registration process to maximize users’ convenience.
To avoid generating multiple individual barcodes, a common pattern was identified that works for electronic turnstiles and JULAC library catalog systems. A plastic card with a common barcode has now been designed and adopted as the new JULAC Library Card.
In addition, a new JULAC Card Registration System (JCRS) has been developed. JULAC card holders will no longer need to bring photocopies of their application forms when registering at host libraries. Instead, JCRS uses a Patron Data On-Demand Model. You will trigger the transfer of your patron data from HKUST Library to the Host Library during your onsite registration.
The new JULAC Library Cards as well as JCRS will be introduced in early May, and all existing paper cards will expire at the end of the year. If your existing card has an expiry beyond 31st December 2014, you will be invited to replace it, using a mostly online process. Through the JULAC Card Project in collaboration with other JULAC libraries, the HKUST Library enables users to have wider access to resources to facilitate research studies. |