2500 libraries - one library ticket

Norway has an abundance of libraries. To improve access to this extensive network we are now launching a single library ticket (LÅNEKORTET) for use in most libraries. LÅNEKORTET is available from all national libraries from autumn 2005.

The aim of LÅNEKORTET is for the holder to be able to borrow from most Norwegian libraries, though it will take time before the system covers the entire country. LÅNEKORTET is free.

LÅNEKORTET is the key to Norwegian libraries, and will provide library users with access to new and better services. One future possibility is that you will be able to order material from any library you wish and either have it sent direct in the post or collect it from the library you use the most.

Common library database with personal information

For LÅNEKORTET to work, personal details of borrowers will be registered in a common database. This database will contain:

• Membership number
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Encrypted national ID number
• Name
• Up to 2 postal addresses
• Telephone numbers
• E-mail address
• Preferred method of contact: Post, e-mail or SMS
• Home library – the library you use the most
• PIN code for self-service machines and the libraries’ web solutions
• Information about the library to which a borrower is affiliated

The system will not contain information about library loans, reservations, blacklists and other relations between borrower and the individual library.

Handling of personal information

The project team behind LÅNEKORTET has emphasised the importance of complying with rules concerning the handling of personal information.

• No information is stored that can be defined as sensitive pursuant to the Personal Data Act.
• National ID numbers are necessary for precise identification of borrowers, but this information is encrypted in such a way that it will be impossible to reconstruct them.
• Address information will not be sold or passed on to third parties.
• All communication between the individual library and the central lending register is encrypted and protected by username and password.
• Information is kept until the borrower wants it deleted or in the event of the borrower’s death being reported by his/her home library.
• Responsibility for handling personal information falls to the General Manager c/o Bibliotek-Systemer AS, Boks 2093 Stubberød, 3255 LARVIK.
• You can always check what personal information is stored about you by visiting https://nb.bib.no.
• You can request information to be changed or deleted at any library where the ticket is used.

If you do not want other libraries to access your personal details

If you do not want a common library ticket, you may reserve against your personal details being stored in the central lending register. Simply tell the librarian that you only want a library ticket for use in your local library.

Initiative-takers behind LÅNEKORTET

The National Library of Norway and the 5 largest suppliers of IT systems to Norwegian libraries are behind the development of LÅNEKORTET. The project is supported and controlled by ABM-utvikling – the Norwegian Archive, Library and Museum Authority, and is part of the Norwegian Digital Library programme

Published October 2005