The New and Improved Abrasion-Resistant Library Card

I use the library a lot. I check out printed books, audio books, and DVDs so frequently that I rarely feel the need to actually buy anything, except for the occasional technical book that is unavailable at the library. I use it so frequently that after 10 years my library card had faded away to nothing. No matter how hard I tried I could not get the checkout system to scan my card. I had to get a new card, and I am happy to report that Maple Grove was kind enough to waive the $1.00 replacement charge.

In fact, I now have a new and improved laminated library card. Lamination is one of the most effective ways to protect printed materials from abrasion.

Apparently, Hennepin County now recognizes that people actually use their library cards and has improved their library card to prevent complete loss of all printed detail. I am glad to see the change, even if it does cost a few more cents to produce the card. Now, if they could only get more copies of the current best sellers.

About Mark Mizen

I have over twenty years professional experience in all aspects of photography and digital imaging. I am Chair of the ISO WG5 TG2 committee responsible for physical properties and durability of imaging material and am currently with HID Global working on systems for security printing for IDs, licenses, and credit cards. Previously, I was Director of Digital Development at Creative Memories from 2009 to 2012 and was responsible for the Creative Memories digital products and services. I also established and directed the Creative Memories Technology Center, which evaluated new products prior to product introduction, assisted with production difficulties, and provided technical information to support product sales.

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