Toronto, ON. Many leading public libraries are seeing new opportunities to create fully integrated, engaging websites that attract and retain patrons online with the new BiblioCommons website management platform. BiblioCMS enables libraries to provide a truly integrated online patron experience, delivered through a shared, software-as-a-service platform.
Since the Chicago Public Library website first launched with BiblioCMS in 2014, other large urban and suburban libraries have launched their own BiblioCMS-supported websites. Pima County Public Library in Arizona and Calgary Public Library in Alberta were two of the earliest adopters of BiblioCMS in North America. Edmonton Public Library has signed a multi-year agreement for BiblioCMS, and King County Library System (contract pending) will launch a BiblioCMS-supported website by 2016.
Built on industry leading WordPress and fully integrated with the BiblioCore catalog, the new platform features extensive library-centric functionality to meet the unique needs of public libraries. Furthermore, as a software-as-a-service solution, BiblioCommons is committed to continuing to improve and innovate to keep pace with the ever-changing standards of the web.
"There are many generic website management systems that provide the basic tools to construct a website. But each industry must invest in the development of their own configurations and themes, including integrated code, plugins, and templates all optimized to address specific business requirements and user needs," explained Beth Jefferson, BiblioCommons Co-Founder. "A complete solution simply didn't exist for the library industry before BiblioCMS."
BiblioCMS deeply integrates the library's collections, patron account management, online resources, events, services, locations, forms, and more, in one easy to use platform that encourages staff and community engagement, regardless of which integrated library system (ILS) the library is using on the back-end. The platform has an efficient and powerful staff admin interface, and supports a broad range of visual designs to best support each individual library's strategic priorities. Libraries can go from contract to launch with a responsive, mobile-optimized BiblioCMS site in a matter of months.
The feedback from patrons has also been very positive. As one Chicago Public Library patron stated, "The new design of this site is FABULOUS! I love the Chicago Public Library system and your updates have reminded me of the enthusiasm I had for using the library as a kid by providing adult-friendly conveniences. Keep up the good work! Thanks."
To learn more, please see http://bibliocommons.com/products/cms or stop by the BiblioCommons booth #3519 at the American Library Association Annual Conference in San Francisco.
About BiblioCommons
BiblioCommons first started as a non-profit youth literacy initiative and now provides online solutions to public libraries worldwide. The BiblioCore catalog service replaces all search and account management functionality of the traditional web catalog, works on top of existing Integrated Library Systems (ILSs), integrates seamlessly with the library's branding and website navigation, and delivers a robust social discovery experience. In addition to a full suite of complementary services, BiblioCommons recently released BiblioCMS, a complete solution for content and website management. Details on all services are at: www.bibliocommons.com/products