HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — - June 3, 2002 — Sirsi Corporation, the leader in new-name sales of technology for libraries around the world*, announced today that public libraries in Oxnard, South Pasadena, and Whittier, Calif., have selected Sirsi's Unicorn® Library Management System and iBistro Electronic Library. These systems will provide staff with fully integrated library management and users with easy online access to resources within the library or anywhere electronically accessible. According to the libraries, Unicorn and iBistro will enable them to deliver cutting-edge technology via an easy-to-use graphical interface.
In addition to having an extensive Spanish language collection and established collections in four Asian languages, the Oxnard Public Library (OPL) provides one-on-one training in English as a second language, passport application services, an adult literacy program, and year-round children's reading programs. Wendy Penrose, OPL system administrator, commented that the selection committee felt that Unicorn and iBistro would provide the best customer service for library users and staff. The library also purchased Sirsi's Hyperion Digital Media Archive to make its Oxnard history photograph collection available online.
"The mature nature of iBistro and Unicorn, the added content and knowledge portal structure that is provided, and the Spanish language catalog are all features that make Sirsi the first choice to replace our current Dynix system. Sirsi is also a leader in complying with international standards, including the Bath profile," Penrose said.
Founded in 1895, the South Pasadena Public Library (SPPL) provides the surrounding community with seven-day access to its collection, free Internet access, literacy tutoring, and a wide range of children's programs. SPPL Director Terri Maguire said, "We're pleased that Unicorn has so many features integrated into the base system, such as the large number of standard reports. We also like the datastreaming feature of iBistro, and are looking forward to offering a Web catalog and patron-placed holds," Maguire reported. The library is moving from its existing Inlex system to Unicorn thanks to a grant from its very active Friends group.
The Whittier Public Library (WPL) serves approximately 158,000 registered users in its main and branch library with more than 320,000 items in a variety of formats, as well as adult and children's programs. Library Services Manager Debi Shulkatis commented, "We selected Unicorn and iBistro because of their functionality. Besides making it easy for users to search and retrieve information, iBistro is easy to customize. For example, we will be able to make our index of the local newspaper available online through iBistro, as well as provide listings of holdings at the Whittier Museum. Our staff members are also looking forward to working in Unicorn's flexible Windows-like environment, where they can view different modules on the same screen, without having to back out of one to go into another." WPL is also migrating to Sirsi from a Dynix system.
Sirsi (www.sirsi.com) recognizes that today's librarians are on a mission to break down walls - barriers that limit the knowledge and resources accessible to library users. A partner with leading libraries around the globe since 1979, Sirsi provides software and services that assist libraries in breaking down walls, thereby promoting learning, empowerment, and opportunity for diverse user communities. Sirsi's portfolio of products and services includes the iBistro and iLink e-Library solutions, hailed as "groundbreaking technology;" the Unicorn Library Management System, the industry's most complete integrated library system; the Hyperion Digital Media Archive, a solution especially for libraries' digital collections; and a full slate of consulting, networking, training, and support services.
*Library Systems Newsletter, March 2002, named Sirsi the leader in new-name sales of integrated library systems for 2001. Sirsi held the same distinction in 1999 and 2000.
