Software Update at the Library

San Juan Island Library contracts with Innovative Interfaces to use
Polaris ILS

The San Juan Island Library is switching the software used to manage Library services (books, movies, and patron records) to help Library staff serve users better. The Library announced the upgrade along with notice that it has been awarded the 2015 EBSCO Excellence in Small and/or Rural Public Library Service Award from the Public Library Association, an affiliate of the American Library Association.

The Library selected the Polaris integrated library system (ILS) after a year-long process of comparing more than 10 software systems. Staff developed a 400 point score sheet to evaluate various functionalities, appearance and ease of use for the volunteers, staff and the public. Staff attended demonstrations and visited other libraries to see different systems in use, and concluded that Polaris ILS would best serve the needs of the San Juan Island community.

In order to transition away from the current ILS, the Library will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, March 23-24, 2015. During the transition placing new holds, purchase requests and interlibrary loan requests will also be suspended from March 16 through March 24.

Concerning the two announcements, “We are really pleased to receive this national award for excellence in small, rural public libraries. And I know the functionality of Polaris will help us to provide an even better experience for Library users,” Library director Laurie Orton said. “It’s past time to have smart search capabilities to offer suggestions or let you know when you misspell word, but Polaris has more that. You’ll be able to find our e-books and e-audiobooks in our catalog, and check out and download right from there. Our upgrade just shows we are doing everything we can to be a great, small rural library.”

In addition, Library staff will find increased functionality that make staff more efficient and save money. And the system will be easy for volunteers to learn and use.

“Most Library users won’t notice the transition. However, there are some temporary changes in service to keep in mind. We have to suspend placing new holds, purchase requests and interlibrary loan requests from March 16 through March 24. And we need to close for two days to finalize the changes needed for the transition.”

Polaris is supported by Innovative Interfaces, Inc. Innovative Interfaces supported the previous ILS used by the San Juan Island Library, which was called Millennium.

Library cards are free of charge to islanders with proof of residency. In addition to its collections of materials to loan, the library also provides public access computers and WiFi. Library hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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