SYRACUSE, New York, December 2, 2002 – For most libraries, implementing a new automation system is all the technology change they can handle at one time. But not the Clinton-Macomb Public Library in Michigan. Under the leadership of Library Director Christine Lind Hage, the library is taking full advantage of its new Polaris integrated library system to bring up a host of new technology solutions. “One of the primary reasons we decided to leave our consortium and go out on our own was to work with a vendor whose automation system would fully integrate with the new services we planned to offer,” Hage said. “We are a medium-sized library without the time or resources to do the level of system integration we needed. The staff at Gaylord Information Systems (GIS) showed us how Polaris would support our initiatives.” The Clinton-Macomb Public Library became fully operational on Polaris on November 8, 2002 and is well on its way to implementing new services with a range of Polaris partners.
“GIS has made the integration of Polaris and third-party products a strategic priority,” commented Hage. “GIS staff really listen to the needs of their customers and respond by seeking alliances that enable libraries to build on the investment we’ve made in our ILS. No other vendor is managing this system integration the way GIS is with Polaris. It’s what sold us on the company and the product.” The library will use Smart Cards from GuardiaNet to implement and manage software for scheduling PC usage by patrons. The integration between GuardiaNet’s LibraryGuardian and Polaris will enable messages to move from one system to another, eliminating the need for patrons to be authenticated multiple times. With just one log on, patrons using a library PC for searching the Internet can be alerted about books on hold for them or receive messages about fines and fees generated from their Polaris patron account. Clinton-Macomb will also activate the debit feature on the Smart Cards allowing patrons to pay overdue fines and use library vending machines or photocopiers.
The library will use the Virtual Reference Toolkit from LSSI to provide online reference service. Integrating the two systems means that if a PAC search doesn’t retrieve the expected results the patron will receive an automatic prompt to initiate a reference session. Prompts will appear at appropriate points during the search process, reminding patrons that reference help is readily available.
The library has contracted with Tutor.com for their Live Homework Help service that provides free online/chat tutoring sessions from 4 p.m-11 p.m. nightly for students in grades four through twelve. If the “tutoring” session turns out to be a reference question, the patron will be transferred to the LSSI service and vice versa.
The library will integrate RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) using Tech Logic’s self-checkout. In the fall of 2003 Tech Logic’s automated check in, sorting and 24-hour check out will be activated. The integration of self-checkout, RFID, and automated material sorting capabilities into Polaris facilitates the exchange of data between the two systems, allowing users to access both products seamlessly.
The library will use Baker & Taylor’s The Title Source II for acquisitions. The links between Baker & Taylor and Polaris will allow the library to increase its acquisitions productivity by using Polaris for electronic ordering, order acknowledgement and invoicing.
The library will use OCLC CatME for cataloging. Polaris’ integration of Z39.50 in every subsystem -- including cataloging – also will enable Clinton-Macomb to access cataloging information from other libraries.
The library will connect with the Michigan Library Exchange (MiLE) using URSA (Universal Resource Sharing Application) software to facilitate interlibrary loan between Clinton-Macomb and over 180 other libraries in Michigan. The URSA software allows patrons to place holds on materials in participating libraries and to have that material delivered to their local library. Polaris will facilitate the exchange of data to URSA through NCIP. NCIP is the evolving standard to define the various transactions needed to support circulation activities among independent library systems.
The library will use Unique Management Services for collection agency activities. The collection agency functionality is fully integrated into Polaris so the library can set up the parameters to implement the service in less than an hour. Once implemented, the library can transfer overdue materials information automatically and electronically to Unique Management Services.
The library will use Syndetic Solutions for displaying enhanced content in the Polaris PAC. The integration between Syndetics and Polaris allows the library to offer its users enriched content from a menu of options that includes tables of contents, reviews, first chapters and excerpts, author notes, book jacket images, summaries and annotations, and fiction and biography profiles. Additionally, because of the way Z39.50 is implemented in Polaris, library patrons will retrieve enriched content for results from the Clinton-Macomb library catalog as well as from external Z39.50 catalogs.
Located outside of Detroit, the Clinton-Macomb Public Library serves the 141,535 residents of Clinton and Macomb townships from a temporary main library building and two branches. An 84,000 square foot new main library is scheduled to open in fall 2003. Since 1999 the library has doubled its circulation every year. In 2002 they circulated over 870,000 from a collection of 132,000 items. About Polaris The Polaris integrated library system facilitates all aspects of library operations by providing innovative workflow solutions packaged in a familiar Windows interface. The Polaris staff client offers a complete solution for acquisitions, collection management, cataloging, circulation, interlibrary loan and serials control. With its object-oriented design and integrated Z39.50 capabilities, Polaris avoids the artificial boundaries common to legacy systems built on a modular framework. It also avoids the costs and downtime associated with installing modules one piece at a time. The Polaris PowerPAC extends this innovation to the end-user by providing a fully customizable library portal to the library’s catalog and other library resources, including enhanced bibliographic data such as book images, tables of contents, and reviews. With embedded metasearch capabilities, patrons can search the library’s catalog, the web, other library catalogs and Z39.50 databases at one time using one common interface. Today more than 300 libraries use Polaris every day to serve the information needs of their communities. About GIS Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, Gaylord Information Systems is a Microsoft Certified Solutions Provider and the 27-year-old software development division of Gaylord Bros., Inc., a leading supplier and innovator in 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. Thirty percent of GIS staff is composed of professional librarians, including GIS President Katherine Blauer. More information is available via telephone +1-315-457-5070 or 800-272-3414; fax +1-315-457-5883; or email gisinfo@gaylord.com and at www.gaylord.com.