BOSTON, March 24, 2006 - SirsiDynix, the global leader in strategic technology solutions for libraries, announced today that Prairie Area Library System (PALS), sited primarily in Illinois and serving some libraries in eastern Iowa, has selected the SirsiDynix Unicorn Library Management System. Unicorn is installed at more library sites around the world than any other single enterprise-caliber library management system. PALS will also install SirsiDynix Enterprise Portal Solution (EPS), SirsiDynix Rooms content management system, SirsiDynix Resolver OpenURL linking tool, SirsiDynix SingleSearch federated search tool, SirsiDynix Director's Station(tm) business intelligence tool and SirsiDynix PocketCirc handheld circulation tool.
"The 1.9 million people served by our member libraries depend on us for an effective, innovative library information system. Since two of the former systems began working with Sirsi in the late 90s, we've found Sirsi, and now SirsiDynix, to be the dependable, forward-looking partner we need to help us meet the expectations of library patrons," said PALS Executive Director Robert McKay.
Assistant Director for Technology Services Mary Anne Stewart said, "PALS chose SirsiDynix as its ILS vendor because we believe it represents the best in class for our patrons. The sole reason PALS supports an ILS is to fulfill our mission to our patrons, and SirsiDynix is best suited to aid us in that goal."
Technology Services Manager Paul Mills added, "EPS will serve us well as a vehicle to provide one-stop shopping for all the resources - our collections, our databases and our local content - that we provide for our patrons to meet their needs. It will create the content-rich information environment library patrons want."
Patrick Sommers, SirsiDynix chief executive officer said, "SirsiDynix has long been focused on the unique needs of library consortia, and we've developed the industry's most comprehensive integrated technology environment for these organizations. What we strive to deliver to consortia and each member library are strategic technology solutions that help them make sense of the vast world of information and bring knowledge in all its forms to the library users who depend on them. We're excited about continuing our partnership with PALS and assisting them in enhancing their service to their patrons."
The announcement was made at the Public Library Association (PLA) National Conference in the Hynes Convention Center.
About SirsiDynix
SirsiDynix is the global leader in strategic technology solutions for libraries - vital institutions whose primary mission is to make sense of the vast world of information for people and communities. This is an exciting role as libraries assist people in discovering and using knowledge, resources and other valuable content for their educations, jobs and entertainment. In concert with key industry partners, SirsiDynix supports this strategic role for libraries by offering a comprehensive integrated suite of technology solutions for improving the internal productivity of libraries and enhancing their capabilities for meeting the needs of people and communities. SirsiDynix has approximately 4,000 library and consortia clients, serving more than 300 million people through more than 20,000 library outlets in the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. For more information, please see www.sirsidynix.com.
About Prairie Area Library System
PALS was created in July 2004 when the Northern Illinois, Heritage Trail and River Bend Library Systems merged to create a new library system. The new System serves 365 member libraries located in all or parts of 26 counties encompassing 11,000 square miles in northern Illinois and eastern Iowa. When the new system goes live in April 2007, it will have 95 online libraries and 219 libraries that list their holdings for resource sharing. Total circulation will exceed 9 million and holdings 8 million.