The spelling of "library card" is fairly straightforward, but its IPA phonetic transcription reveals some subtleties. The word begins with the consonant cluster /lɪb/, followed by the vowel sound /rɛ/. The second syllable contains the consonant cluster /rɪ/, which can be difficult for some speakers to articulate. The final syllable, /brɛ/, features the vowel sound /ɛ/ again, followed by the consonant sound /b/. Overall, the spelling and phonetics of "library card" highlight the importance of clear pronunciation in communication.
A library card refers to a personal identification card issued by a library that grants an individual access to the library's resources and services. It serves as proof of membership and allows borrowers to check out books, magazines, movies, audio materials, and other materials available at the library.
Typically made of plastic, a library card features important identification information such as the cardholder's full name, a unique library card number, and often a barcode or magnetic strip. The cardholder's address and contact details may also be included in some cases.
The primary purpose of a library card is to facilitate and manage the borrowing and returning process. When a patron wishes to borrow a library item, they present their library card at the circulation desk, and library staff scan it to access the cardholder's account information. This allows the library to keep track of the items checked out, due dates, and any late fees or fines incurred.
Library cards are issued by public, academic, school, institutional, and special libraries, and each card is specific to the issuing library. Some libraries charge a small fee to obtain a library card, while others provide them free of charge to residents or students in the library's service area. Additionally, library cards may offer additional privileges, such as access to online databases, interlibrary loans, and digital resources.
The etymology of the word "library card" can be traced back to two separate origins.
1) "Library" comes from the Latin word "liber", meaning "book". The Latin word "bibliotheca" was also commonly used to refer to a collection of books. Over time, these terms evolved into the word "library" in the English language, referring to a place where books are stored and accessed.
2) "Card" comes from the Old French word "carte", meaning "playing card" or "map". In the 14th century, card games became popular in Europe, and the word "card" was also used to describe pieces of paper or small rectangular cards used in these games. Eventually, the term "card" extended beyond gaming and was adopted to refer to various types of small, flat objects, such as identity cards, business cards, and library cards.