Emeryville, CA. Innovative Interfaces, a leading provider of library automation software that empowers libraries globally, is proud to announce the Chicago Public Library has selected Polaris, joining the growing list of influential urban libraries who have become an Innovative partner.
Chicago Public Library will migrate from a TLC Carl.X system to increase staff efficiencies within the library and discover greater opportunities for community outreach beyond the traditional library walls. By deploying Polaris Leap for web-based circulation across all eighty branches, the library will extend its presence, reaching patrons in ways that simply weren't possible before.
"Chicago residents depend on the Library to provide high-quality services and this system will allow us to more effectively serve patrons both inside our physical branches and at outreach events in communities throughout the city," said Michelle Frisque, Chief of Technology, Content and Innovation at Chicago Public Library. "We're excited about the proven success of this fully hosted solution, which allows Innovative to more frequently release new features that benefit both staff and patrons."
In addition to strengthening community outreach efforts, staff will experience significant value regarding workflow efficiencies. With the Polaris Leap Web Application, training of the eighty branches becomes much easier, software upgrades occur automatically, and staff will no longer need to manage updates on their local workstations.
Chicago Public Library will continue using its BiblioCommons discovery layer through an API integration with Polaris—functionality that is unique to Innovative and its open architecture strategy. Innovative's commitment to service and support also played a key role in Chicago Public Library's decision to select Polaris. With an assigned implementation team to perform the migration and a dedicated support team thereafter, Innovative staff provide guidance and expertise in support of Chicago's strategic priorities.
"Innovative has partnered with many forward-thinking institutions, and it is a privilege to work with such a prestigious library like Chicago Public Library," said Innovative CEO Jim Tallman. "Just as we support their vision to provide equal access to information, ideas, and knowledge beyond the library and well into the community, we are excited to add their perspective and influence to our ongoing development of market-leading solutions. It's the type of collaborative partnership that inspires, and we look forward to doing just that."
As one of the largest public libraries in the United States, Chicago Public Library joins other large urban libraries who have maintained a strong partnership with Innovative. This includes Boston Public Library, Dallas Public Library, Denver Public Library, Fort Worth Public Library, Miami-Dade Public Library System, New York Public Library, Phoenix Public Library, Salt Lake County Library Services, Salt Lake City Public Library, and San Francisco Public Library.
About Innovative
Innovative (www.iii.com) provides leading technology solutions and services that empower libraries and enrich their users worldwide. Innovative offers one of the most comprehensive portfolios of library automation products on the market today, serving academic, public, national, corporate, and special libraries, and consortia. Headquartered in Emeryville, California, Innovative has a global presence—serving thousands of libraries in 66 countries and offices worldwide.
