Syracuse, N.Y.—Clearwater Public Library System in Florida recently announced it has accepted Polaris, a native Windows NT library automation system, from Gaylord Information Systems in Syracuse.
Clearwater purchased Polaris, a state-of-the-art 3rd generation system, as an upgrade from GIS's GALAXY system, which the library has used since 1992. In making this decision, Clearwater joined a number of other public libraries that have migrated from GALAXY to Polaris to provide a more technologically advanced automation system. Polaris provides full Windows functionality and helps position libraries for adopting new technologies in the future to serve their patrons.
“Polaris delivers satisfied patrons,” said John Szabo, director of the Clearwater Public Library System. “It features an easy to use public access catalog and requires little patron education, and its Windows NT foundation makes it a ‘friendly face' for users,” he added.
Clearwater Public Library System has 97 user licenses, approximately 400,000 volumes and five branches, including the main library, the Beach Library, the Countryside Library, the East Library and the North Greenwood Library.
“We upgraded to Polaris because we were ready for the latest technology,” noted Clearwater Public Library System automation coordinator Linda Lange. “I love the ease of Polaris and the fact that it's so easy to maneuver through the staff client. I've also always greatly appreciated the support we've gotten from GIS,” she added.
“Clearwater Public Library System is an excellent example of how Gaylord Information Systems is committed to working with our GALAXY libraries over the long-term to move them along the GIS continuum according to their own technology growth plans,” said GIS President Katherine Blauer, referring to various products that GIS has to offer its GALAXY customers.
Polaris, the market leader in 3rd generation library automation systems, provides a web-based public access catalog. The software also offers workstation-based Windows 9x, 2000 and NT staff services with integrated cataloging, serials, acquisitions, circulation, patron/student services and system administration functionality. Polaris currently supports library systems in high-transaction environments and is installed in more than 200 libraries.
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 more than a century. In addition to its library automation systems, GIS offers workflow analysis, retrospective conversion and database enhancement services to libraries of all types.
