Library card

A library card is part of an integrated library system which can refer to several cards traditionally used for the management of books and patrons in a library. In its most common use, a library card serves similar functions as a corporate membership card. A person who holds a library card has borrowing or other privileges associated with the issuing library. Library cards can grant the user much more than books such as museum admission, game controllers, DVDs and other media.

The library card also serves as a method of identification. When a person chooses an item to borrow and presents their library card to the library, they take responsibility for the borrowed item and promise to abide by certain rules, usually including a promise to return the item by the due date or face a library fine. If the cardholder violates these responsibilities, their borrowing privileges may be suspended.