Blacksburg, VA -- Long recognized as one of the most forward-thinking libraries in North America, the Richmond Public Library (RPL) in British Columbia, Canada has contracted with VTLS to implement the Virtua integrated library system. The Richmond Public Library in partnership with VTLS will introduce a range of new capabilities designed to increase the level of service to the community. One of the key focuses of the new system will be to provide broader access to the community through delivering dynamic, multi-lingual user interfaces to the library catalogue.

The library will initially debut both English and Chinese interfaces, but will continue to expand access with other languages over time. Through utilizing Virtua's robust data model built upon Oracle, Richmond Public Library will expand upon the patron empowerment services currently offered through the introduction of patron personalization features. Combined with enriched catalogue content such as cover art, tables of contents, reviews, excerpts, and synopsis a variety of tools will be available to users to better evaluate library materials from the comfort of their homes.

"We've been impressed by Virtua's features, flexibility, openness and, extensibility” said Greg Buss, Chief Librarian of Richmond Public Library. “Integration with third party and locally developed systems is critical to providing a consistent customer experience across systems. VTLS' commitment to web services and demonstrated experience with non-Roman character sets will assist us in rapidly responding to the changing expectations of Richmond's diverse population."

One of the most heavily used community facilities in Canada, Richmond Public Library leads other urban libraries in the number of items borrowed per capita and the number of card holders per capita. With over 3.34 million items circulating annually and an increase of over 54% in website traffic, the library is experiencing first hand the results of their efforts to build and deliver the library of the future. With libraries increasingly competing with bookstores and the Internet for the attention of their users, the Richmond Public Library continues to demonstrate the positive impact that can be achieved through providing superior value to the community.

“Richmond Public Library has proven themselves as a visionary library with a strong track record for adopting and applying new technologies and methodologies to improve library service,” said Carl Grant, President of VTLS. “Their choice to build upon Virtua as a key component in the development of the library of the future concept is a testament to not only its capabilities as a leading library automation system, but also as a platform for delivering innovative services in an increasingly competitive information landscape.”