I was thrilled when, earlier this week, I discovered that the Idaho Library Association now accepts paying membership dues online. I’ve gotten used to being able to pay for everything online, from my monthly utility bills to new video games, so I was delighted to be able to tackle my ILA membership without even writing a check.

However, I still have to wonder when libraries will allow users to pay their fines (unless you are anti-fines) online? I was ecstatic when my library finally added the ability to pay with a credit or debit card in the building (even though it was about a decade overdue), but I’m still waiting to be able to pay over the Internet. Is it going to be another ten years before libraries offer this service?