SYRACUSE, N.Y., May 2, 2013 — Polaris Library Systems, a trusted provider of technology solutions that help public, private and academic librarians serve their communities, today announces that Salt Lake City Public Library (The City Library) has selected the Polaris Library System (PLS) as its new automation system. Polaris was named the clear choice in functionality, value and ability to provide a true partnership after a rigorous RFP process that included the industry's largest library system providers.
The library opened a competitive procurement process when staff realized the major investments that would be required for its existing ILS to support the system's immediate needs. The City Library is implementing a complete RFID and automated materials handling system, is building two new branches, and is adapting to changes in its community with new materials, services and programming.
"We have been using our current ILS product for 17 years. With all of the changes and improvements we are working on, the library isn't looking for just an ILS vendor; we need a partner that will help us navigate the many decisions we have to make quickly so we can be live with the right solution for us in less than six months," said Julianne Hancock, manager of communication and library innovation for the Salt Lake City Public Library. "Polaris included enhanced services to guide us through our migration and implementation, and will analyze our workflows to advise us with best practices and configuration decisions so we end up with a system that supports our needs for efficiency, patron service, and long-term flexibility."
"We are extremely impressed with the staff at The City Library and their vetting process," said Scott McCausland, vice president of sales and marketing, Polaris Library Systems. "In detail they communicated their current and anticipated needs, and they have a clear mission and vision. We are excited to work with them and assist them in accomplishing their goals and increasing their impact on their community. It's great that another leading urban library has selected Polaris. We knew right away we wanted to partner with them, and we're thrilled that they selected us."
The selection process was conducted by a nine-person committee of subject matter experts at the library. In addition to evaluating the RFP responses and demonstrations, members of the selection committee conducted reference checks, calling vendor's designated customers to gauge their satisfaction of all areas of their experience with their respective ILS vendor and products. Salt Lake City Public Library was particularly impressed with Polaris' showing during this part of the process.
"There is something to be said for a vendor that included a complete customer list with contact information in their RFP response," Hancock said. "In their demonstration, our committee saw a product that will address our needs and will make staff work easier and more effective. Polaris' references gave us confidence that the company is the partner we need to support our initiatives today and our needs in the future."
The Salt Lake City Public Library System includes the award-winning Main Library in downtown Salt Lake City and five neighborhood branches. Two additional branches will open in 2014. The City Library circulates nearly four million items annually and has over 140,000 registered library card holders. An estimated 3.7 million people visit The City Library locations every year, making the system the second biggest attraction in the state of Utah. For more information, visit www.slcpl.org.
About Polaris Library Systems
Polaris Library Systems earns the highest customer satisfaction ratings by focusing on one goal: helping librarians better serve their communities. A true technology partner, Polaris uses a deep understanding of libraries and patrons to thoughtfully design products and services that meet today's most challenging needs. Over 2,000 public, private and academic libraries count on Polaris automation platforms to maximize time and resources, reduce costs, boost productivity and improve patron satisfaction every day. Polaris is dedicated to providing unique, reliable solutions that empower libraries to build better patron relationships and a productive, bright future. Visit www.polarislibrary.com for more information.