October 14, 2011, SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Polaris Library Systems, a pioneer in the development of library technology solutions for public, private and academic libraries, announced today that Coquitlam Public Library (CPL) in British Columbia, Canada, has selected the Polaris Integrated Library System (ILS). It will replace the library's current GEAC Advance system.
"We were working with a 20-year old system that became difficult and expensive to use," said Silvana Harwood, the library's deputy director. "We needed a system that would meet our present and future needs."
CPL selected the Polaris ILS based on the system's cost, functionality, ease-of-use and strong customer references. In addition, CPL was impressed with Polaris as a company.
"The intuitive aspects of the Polaris ILS attracted many of our staff; mainly simplicity and ease-of-use. Its look and feel was exactly what we needed and what our patrons have been asking for. Options such as a Children's PAC and additional language capabilities, specifically Chinese, Farsi and Korean, were important," said Harwood. "We were also looking for a company that has a strong commitment to public libraries and one that would be responsive to current and future needs through continuous development. The fact that Polaris encourages members to join the Polaris Users' Group to enhance the system really stood out."
CPL's procurement process was a rigorous one. CPL conducted 10 full-day live product demonstrations over a one-year period, and then issued a Request for Proposal (RFP). While many vendors responded, the library's ILS committee unanimously selected Polaris Library Systems as the winning bidder.
"Today more than ever, libraries have to do more with existing resources," said Bill Schickling, president and CEO, Polaris Library Systems. "CPL saw the value that the Polaris ILS will bring to their library and their community, allowing them to offer more services in a user-friendly environment without expending additional staff resources. We're looking forward to establishing a long term relationship - and friendship - with the CPL staff and its members."
About Coquitlam Public Library
Over its 40 years of existence, the Coquitlam Public Library has built a strong reputation for commitment to the community. The library has achieved this by providing many services to their patrons, meeting the changing needs of a diverse society and the needs of a growing community. The library's two branches service a population of over 120,000 and circulate over 1,000,000 items per year.
About Polaris Library Systems
As pioneers in the world of library automation, Polaris Library Systems' mission is to empower libraries of all sizes through technology. Today, almost 2,000 libraries count on Polaris products and services to help better manage their resources, reduce costs, boost productivity and improve patron satisfaction. For more information about Polaris Library Systems, visit www.polarislibrary.com.
