In 1988, the Library of Michigan Board of Trustees' Task Force on Interdependency and Funding recommended "the establishment of a statewide library card as a method for improving access for Michigan's citizens to all of the resources and information housed in Michigan's libraries."

During fiscal year 1989/90, the state legislature provided state funds to support a statewide library card program (MichiCard) network for libraries. A brief summary of the initial program's guidelines are as follows:

• From 1990 to August 1993, only public libraries participated in the MichiCard program.
• Academic libraries became participating members of the MichiCard program in 1994.
• All types of libraries became eligible to join the MichiCard program in 2000.
• State funds are used for 1) promotional/informational materials and supplies to support the program; 2) replacement of lost printed materials; and 3) reimbursement for postage costs.
• The participating library affix a MichiCard borrower's sticker to library cards of their patrons, faculty, staff and students in good standing.
• All local participating library policies and rules prevail except that a MichiCard holder from a participating library cannot be charged a borrowing fee.

Important Points to Remember:

• MichiCard is a public relations program which permits libraries to promote their local services and programs and to create a positive image and goodwill among Michigan residents. Equally important, the MichiCard network improves the opportunities for a person to access the vast resources and information housed in other Michigan libraries with minimum barriers.
• The MichiCard network saves local library staff time and money when library users drive and borrow from another library instead of requesting and waiting for interlibrary loan materials.
• Participating libraries will be reimbursed for lost (non returned) printed items loaned to another MichiCard holder; a library will be reimbursed for postage cost for mailing returned items to another MichiCard library; all promotional and supply items are provided, free of charge, to all participating libraries.
• The Library of Michigan coordinates the MichiCard network program.
• As of May 28, 2009, the MichiCard program consists of 251 public libraries, 210 branch libraries, and 59 academic libraries.

MichiCard Program

This page reviewed 05/28/2009.