Beginning December 11, 2008, library patrons will begin enjoying the benefits of Polaris Library Systems®, the library’s new computer system. The library staff has been working for several months to bring you an enhanced online experience when you visit the library’s website. Many of you have asked for services that we were unable to provide with our current system, Dynix. This system has not been upgraded for several years and is slated to be discontinued by SirsiDynix, the company that owns and maintains the software. The library’s Polaris® online catalog will give you the same services you’re used to and much more. Here is a sample:
- Reading history - a list of all the items you have checked out. This list can be saved or deleted as often as you like and can hold hundreds of items.
- Convenient holds management. When you go on vacation and want to suspend your holds, Polaris® will automatically reactivate them on the date you specify.
- Power over your information. Change your home or email addresses, telephone, or PIN right from your library account.
- Enhanced searching capabilities including the popular practice of narrowing your search results to the specific items that you need. Narrow your searching by format, subject, date, and more.
- Sign up to receive automatic emails for your hold requests and overdue items. Polaris® will even send you a courtesy email to remind you when items are due before they are late!
To prepare for all of these exciting changes, the library will be closed December 8, 9, and 10, for staff training and the conversion of library data to new servers. In the meantime, you can practice searching in Polaris®. This is a demonstration website only and is not representative of the library’s collection. You will not be able to log in to your account using this website.
We look forward to working in Polaris® and hope you enjoy the changes and new features. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the library at 826-3712 or send us an email.
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