ABSTRACT
The normal qualification for membership is residence or, as it is usually phrased in library rules, persons whose names appear on the register of local government electors. It is now held by some librarians that borrowers membership cards for public libraries should be available for use in any public library in the country. A few libraries do not call for re-registration, allowing membership to run on indefinitely; but the periodical check which re-registration implies is desirable as a safeguard on the bona fides of members. It is usual to allow free membership of public libraries to non-residents who are employed or attend school or college in the area of the local authority concerned, and to restrict subscription membership to those who have no connection whatever. In many libraries using the guarantor system, it is possible to leave a deposit of money in lieu of obtaining the signature of a local government elector.
