Syracuse, NY (April 2000) Gaylord Information Systems (GIS) today announced that the Mabee Library and Learning Resource Center at MidAmerica Nazarene University has fully accepted GIS' Polaris integrated library system as its automation solution.
The library recently completed full integration and acceptance testing on the industry's only installed and operational 3rd generation automation system. Dr. Ray Morrison, Library Director, commented that full acceptance of the system is the result of hard work and dedication by his staff and GIS. "GIS support has been great throughout the entire implementation and acceptance processes. The expected issues that arise when deploying a new system were addressed immediately and cooperatively with our staff. That type of team work and support helped to expedite the entire implementation and acceptance process."
Using the Polaris ActiveX OPAC, The Mabee Library (located on the MidAmerica Nazarene University campus in Olathe, Kansas) provides on-campus access to a 90,000-title catalog. Off campus access will be provided through the Polaris HTML OPAC, which can be displayed in any Web browser – anywhere in the world. It's that kind of flexibility that Dr. Morrison and his staff like about Polaris. "We are very pleased with this product. The students and faculty have readily accepted it and continually comment on its ease-of-use. When you search our catalog Polaris delivers all the information you need on one screen. With a single click you retrieve and display author, title, location, and availability. That's powerful."
The Mabee Library has also capitalized on Polaris' flexible design by deploying thin-client computers across the entire MidAmerica Nazarene campus. Using Citrix MetaFrame's thin-client software protocol ICA on a number of different hardware devices, such as PCs and Macintosh computers, users are accessing the Windows NT Server-based Polaris application in a secure, easy to manage network environment. The success of the Polaris thin-client implementation is garnering attention for the University. Other libraries have recently approached Dr. Morrison with interest in also using thin-clients. Thin-client workstations provide easier administration and more security because all application execution, data processing, and data storage occur on the server.
Dr. Morrison says that the ability of Polaris to support technologies like thin-clients was one of the reasons the library chose Polaris. "Beyond the success of the thin-clients, we have successfully integrated Polaris with our BANNER Administration System. This speaks volumes to the way Polaris was designed to exploit and integrate other technologies." The Polaris/BANNER integration allows the library to share the university's bookkeeping services via Polaris. This type of cross-system integration is unique to Polaris because of its open architecture. By adhering to Microsoft's Digital InterNet Application Architecture, GIS has designed Polaris to integrate with any non-proprietary third-party software. Only Polaris provides this degree of flexibility and extendibility in the library automation industry.
Dr. Morrison is certain that the library and University made the right decision to go with Polaris. "The price of the system was extremely attractive. But what clinched the decision for us is that Polaris is based on new technology and offers endless possibilities to integrate with new Web-based applications as they emerge. We are comfortable knowing that Polaris is a system that is still growing, and we're eager to see where certain aspects of the system take us. With GIS providing regular, well-designed updates we're already seeing the benefits of an advanced, tightly integrated system. How happy are we with Polaris? Simply look at the rest of the industry. GIS has delivered a true third-generation system and positioned us for unlimited growth. That would make any library happy."
Polaris is a non-modular, native-Windows NT library automation solution. The system offers complete access to integrated cataloging, serials, acquisitions, circulation, patron/student services, and system administration functionality. Polaris provides a Web-based OPAC and a Windows 9x, 2000, or NT Workstation-based staff services client. Polaris is currently installed in more than 160 libraries, supporting a number of libraries with more than 350 concurrent users in high-transaction environments.
GIS is a Microsoft Certified Solutions Provider and the 25 year-old software development division of Gaylord Bros., a leading supplier to the library industry for over a century. In addition to its library automation systems, GIS offers workflow analysis, retrospective conversion, and database enhancement services to libraries of all types. For more information, visit www.gaylord.com/automation or contact GIS headquarters at 800-272-3414.
