Syracuse, NY (June 22, 1999) - Gaylord Information Systems (GIS) today announced that the Southern Oregon Libraries Information System (SOLIS) has agreed to automate with the Polaris Integrated Library System.

The SOLIS consortium consists of the public libraries in Jackson, Josephine and Klamath counties, and the Rogue Community College Library. With 177,000 patrons and approximately 400 client workstations, SOLIS needed an automation solution that can support a diverse patron base and meet the requirements of a demanding staff. But it was more than powerful software that grabbed the consortium's attention. "We liked GIS' approach and philosophy," said Sylvia Lee, Manager of Technical Services/Library Information Technology for the Jackson County Library Services. "The entire GIS staff is enthusiastic, positive and interested in getting to know the consortium libraries. It's evident that GIS understands the real-world needs of libraries and librarians."

SOLIS was also impressed with GIS migration and conversion services group. Working with SOLIS as a technology partner, GIS clearly defined the challenges of migrating a large, mixed consortium to a new system. 015 worked with each member library to map a complete data migration path by analyzing each site's workflows and resource needs. As with all Polaris sites, 015 outlined an implementation that did not compromise the way library staff work. Lee noted, "015 is very interested in hearing what the SOLIS libraries want and how they want to work. We see Polaris as a tool that is growing and evolving. And we know 015 will continue to be responsive to our needs."

The Josephine County Library and Rogue Community College Library are moving off a ULISYS system in place since 1985. The Jackson County Library is migrating from a homegrown system. The Klamath County Library is switching from Ringgold and TLC modular products. All libraries in the consortium are moving off OCLC for cataloging.

For a consortium as large as SOLIS (450,000+ titles, 880,000+ volumes), performance and scalability were major requirements for their new automation system. Recognizing the power of Polaris and the tremendous potential of a native Windows NT solution, SOLIS is convinced Polaris represents a best-of-class product. Gail Warner, Director of Josephine County Library noted, "SOLIS members required a 'state-of-the-art' graphical system that will take the consortium into the 21st century. We know that Polaris is that system."

Polaris is a non-modular, native-Windows NT library automation solution. Polaris offers complete access to integrated cataloging, serials, acquisitions, circulation, patron/student services, and system administration functionality. The system provides a Web-based public access client and a Windows 95/98/NT Workstation-based technical services client. Polaris was built with Microsoft technologies solely for the Windows NT Server platform and SQL Server. Other Polaris partners in the Northwest include the Washington County Cooperative Library Service, Eugene Public Library, Tigard-Tualatin School District, and Yakima Valley Regional Library.

GIS is a Microsoft Certified Solutions Provider and the 25 year-young software development division of Gaylord Bros., a leading supplier to the library industry for over a century. In addition to its library automation systems, GIS offers networking, retrospective conversion, and database enhancement services to libraries of all types. For more information, visit www.gaylord.com/automation or contact GIS headquarters at 800-272-3414.