INWOOD, WV, July 6, 2000--The Library Corporation (TLC), a leading innovator in library automation and cataloging technology, today announced that it has acquired CARL Corporation, a Denver-based developer of technologically advanced solutions used by many of the very largest public libraries in the U.S. and around the world.
The combination of TLC and CARL brings together two, well-established companies that share a common vision for excellence in library automation services, yet historically have served considerably different market segments. TLC, founded 26 years ago, is a well-recognized leader in automation services, cataloging and customer service. The company's flagship product, Library,Solution, is among the fastest growing library automation products anywhere - now contracted for installation in more than 1,000 libraries worldwide. CARL System, originally created 18 years ago, is also installed in more than 1,000 libraries, including such large and well known libraries as Chicago Public Library, Los Angeles Public Library, Phoenix Public Library, Broward County Public Library, San Antonio Public Library, Atlanta-Fulton Public Library, Denver Public Library, and Baltimore County Public Library. The company has been known for its strength in networking services in large environments, innovative PAC services and providing various kinds of data to expansive library systems.
In making today's announcement, TLC President and CEO, Annette Bakhtiar, stated, "The addition of CARL to The Library Corporation family brings together two like-minded companies that can truly leverage their respective strengths to deliver the very best in cataloging, automation and customer service to libraries of all sizes and types - worldwide. We believe this acquisition will be a strong plus for TLC, CARL and most importantly, librarians and their patrons."
Ms. Bakhtiar added that TLC and CARL have worked in partnership for several years on development projects and that both companies already share office space in Singapore. Current plans call for CARL to maintain a major presence at its Denver location and to continue many of its activities under the CARL brand name.
Also commenting today was Ward Shaw, Chairman at CARL, who stated, "TLC has been a true pioneer and industry leader in many facets of the library field - including technology and customer service. We are extremely excited to join forces with a company that has been so dedicated to providing that rare combination of superior customer support with an outstanding work environment for its employees."
About The Library Corporation (TLC)
The Library Corporation, headquartered in Inwood, West Virginia, was founded 26 years ago and has a singular mission: to enhance the library experience for librarians and their patrons.
About CARL Corporation
CARL Corporation is a leading developer of visionary, technologically advanced solutions for libraries-all types of libraries. Today, 18 years since the original creation of the CARL System, over 1,000 libraries at 37 sites-including public libraries and library consortia, public school library systems, and academic libraries-utilize the CARL System. That represents nearly 30 million library users across the country-either directly or through computer-to-computer network connections.
The CARL System runs on a state-of-the-art, open system with architecture designed explicitly to manage high volume transaction processing, facilitate computer-to-computer communication, and expedite network transaction activity-all with the most infallible processors available. In addition to the core system, CARL has a number of other products including DIALOG@CARL, CARLweb, Kid's Catalog, Everybody's Menu Builder, and Gateway Server products and services that include Z39.50
