By Erin Steinsultz
Benton Public Library is joining with 427 libraries in southern Illinois that make up SHARE (Sharing Heartland’s Available Resources Equally), a consortium of libraries that belong to the Illinois Heartland Library System.
On April 9, 2013, SHARE will go live with a new automation software platform known as Polaris, the software system it uses to circulate books, movies, and other materials, and issue library cards to patrons.
“SHARE is made up of four automated systems that currently have their own software platform containing more than two million items,” said Benton Public Library director Erin Steinsultz.
“When all of the systems combine on April 9, there will be almost ten million items, almost two million library users. It’s been quite a feat to get everything combined into one database.”
Several library experts have commented that SHARE is the largest library automation consortium in the country.
“This means Benton Library has access to nearly all of those ten million items from those 427 libraries,” said Steinsultz. “It’s really amazing how much information this will make available so quickly.”
As SHARE libraries prepare to transition to the Polaris software, the library and its users will experience some slightly diminished library service.
“There will be a new online patron access catalog, or PAC, where you can search for items you are interested in, place holds, pay fines, and so on. The new PAC will be available beginning April 9,” said Steinsultz. “It will have some really great search features. In the meantime, the old PAC will be offline for about a week or so.”
“We are learning completely new software that is as different as night and day from our current software,” commented Steinsultz. “We may take just a bit longer than usual to perform a task at the computer. Also, please bring your library card. The new software will only allow us to find your library card record through your card number, so please bring your card with you every visit.”
Users will also experience a short stoppage in some library services. Patrons will also not be able to place holds on items from March 15 to April 9. No new items will be added to the library collections between March 22 and April 9. Items that were on hold but not received by their requestor prior to March 22 will have the hold cancelled. This is necessary to allow the current items to be loaded into the Polaris automation system.
All of the member libraries will be using an offline version of the Polaris software from April 1 through April 8. During that time, library users will be able to return books to their home library, and check out books there as well. Neither patrons nor library staff will be able to place holds or request items until Go Live Day on April 9.
“We have about 48,000 items in house that should offer most users a wide variety to choose from during that time,” said Steinsultz. “We will also gladly assist the patrons with making a list of the items they should place on hold once Polaris goes live.”
Benton Public Library staff is looking forward to the changes.
“This is something I am very excited to be able to offer our patrons. I hope they will enjoy the final product and be just a little patient as we transition over a few weeks,” said Steinsultz.
For more information on the changes happening with the Polaris transition or any library programming, please call 438-7511.
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