SYRACUSE, N.Y., June 24, 2013 — Polaris Library Systems announces the release of a new software update that increases staff productivity and workflow efficiency for librarians and administration.

Polaris Library Systems, a trusted provider of technology solutions that help public, private and academic libraries serve their communities, offers nearly 100 feature and functionality enhancements in the new release. This update will enhance patron services, increase efficiencies in circulation, cataloging and acquisitions and provide new features for PowerPAC, Mobile PAC, Community Profiles, Fusion and SimplyReports.

Polaris' software update takes into consideration the tools and features librarians and their staff need to run efficiently and remain the leading resource for their community.

"In order to provide our customers with the best product on the market today, we listen to what librarians need and continually evolve our products to make their job easier. Many of these new features are the result of enhancement requests from the Polaris User Groups and our customers' feedback," said Anita Wagner, vice president and board secretary, Polaris Library Systems.

Among the list of enhancements are, in patron services, the ability for staff and patrons to display and calculate accrued fines based on an expected day of return for overdue items. With the goal of improving productivity for cataloging staff, the software release also includes a "do not overlay" checkbox on bibliographic records and the ability to delete tags from MARC records during the import process.

To enhance the patron experience when searching in the PAC, the library is provided a slide bar to weight results based on popularity or relevancy. Map It is also now available in Mobile PAC.

For staff productivity, Polaris has increased the functionality of the Staff Client Find Tool, allowing new search access points and new listview column headers for bibliographic records, items, patrons, purchase orders and invoices.

"When choosing what software updates to include in this release, we focused on the enhancements that would benefit staff in any department; from circulation to cataloging, acquisitions to serials and from public services to systems administration," said Wagner.

This update also includes enhancements for Polaris Social with ChiliFresh Connections, which libraries can purchase from Polaris as an add-on for their PowerPAC and Mobile PAC. Enhancements include the ability for patrons to access Connections features by logging into their library account, as well as integrating their Connections patron profile into their PAC account. Social features are also available in the search results, including the ability to create shared lists, recommend books to others and see other library patron activity.

For more information and to receive the complete list of release updates, libraries should contact the Sales Consultant associated with their state by visiting www.polarislibrary.com.

About Polaris Library Systems

Polaris Library Systems is a leading library automation software company, earning the highest customer satisfaction ratings by focusing on one goal: helping librarians serve their communities. Established in 2003, Polaris Library Systems provides public, private and academic libraries with an integrated library system that boosts productivity, improves patron satisfaction, and transforms how libraries connect, communicate and collaborate with their communities in the modern world. For more information, visit www.polarislibrary.com.