centralized interface through which editors can apply for access to resources and volunteers can process those applications. This central platform greatly improves the efficiency of the access grant process—projections suggest an eventual wait time of only a few days rather than a few weeks for most resources.
The Library Card system supports a wider variety of resource provision modes than previously available under TWL. The application process is streamlined and can be partially or fully automated, depending on the approach preferred by the publisher. Foremost, it can support a proxy-based authentication system with single sign-on for users. This will rapidly improve access to research for content editors.
An instantaneous access system is also being developed called the Library Card Bundle. In this iteration, access is approved through the system automatically rather than manually, so it can be granted on an as-needed basis to tens of thousands of editors instead of just hundreds at a time. The bundle approach solves the problem of users requesting access to a source simply to read a few specific articles rather than long-term research in the topic area. Now, instead of occupying one of a limited number of slots for an entire year, a far greater number of users can simply gain access to what they need when it is needed.
Once this initial phase of authorization and development is completed, the next step is to integrate additional digital library services. A key component of the system will be a web-scale discovery service to allow users to find content across all publishers from a single search box.
