My hubby had the old members card for the Archives which they used to issue you with but could`nt find it so he rang and they said to bring down the usual documents ie:passport etc to get a new one.
I think that you are referring to a readers card - they moved over to the generally used CARN card a while back. This isn’t affected by access charges - readers cards are free.
Prior to 10th February everyone paid £3.50 for parking with free access to the museum and archives. In addition there was a charge for entry to special exhibitions. After that date the parking charge was dropped as was the additional charge for special exhibitions. They were replaced by a once a year payment of £7 (£6 for concessions). It doesn’t take much to realise that two trips to the archives and/or museum would cover this charge - any more visits is a bonus! But then came the objections……
As for the hut - the old one on the way into the car park is no longer used. There is now a much smaller one just outside the entrance to the site from the car park. This is where you pay or show your existing ticket and, presumably, where you would wait for an escort. There is no shelter.
As you say, Janis, whichever way you look at it someone is taking time out of their working day to walk downstairs and out to the gate and back again just to act as an escort.