The client is issued with a smart card that allows them to access the system. Their details are held on a database on the administrator system. By inserting the smart card into a reader connected to the PC and entering a PIN, the client may search for documents. They may view the abstract of articles at this stage if they wish. It is at this point that the user has the option to order and pay for one or more articles.
Payment is possible because of the use of the smart card.
It may be possible for purses to be credited by use of credit cards or cash machines as well as by the administrator. This method of payment means that the supplier is guaranteed payment. Documents are displayed in PDF format by use of Adobe Acrobat. Personal privacy is protected and use of the card as a tracking device is minimised because the library acts as an intermediary between user and document supplier. All transactions on the Internet are secured by means of the smart card through authentication and encryption techniques.