SYRACUSE, N.Y., June 25, 2013 — Polaris Library Systems has redefined the library-community relationship, adding a social component within the library catalog that allows patrons to search for local businesses and organizations.

Polaris Library Systems, a pioneer in the development of library technology solutions that help public, private and academic librarians serve their communities, developed Community Profiles in order for libraries to provide more local resources to their patrons. Libraries who have the Polaris ILS (integrated library system) can purchase Community Profiles as an add-on feature. This provides local organizations with the opportunity to create a profile, upload information and share a calendar of events; all of which becomes searchable to patrons within the online catalog.

"Polaris' mission, ‘Helping librarians serve their communities,' is of paramount importance when we think about the design of our products," said Bob Schrier, product analyst, Polaris Library Systems. "Community Profiles not only provides librarians with tools to collaborate more closely with local organizations, we also automatically include another industry-leading product called Feature It, which makes community information more easily discoverable alongside searches for print materials and e-content."

Polaris experienced great success since the launch of Community Profiles in March of 2013, with over 30 libraries across the country integrating Community Profiles into their PAC. Among the list of early adopters are Brownsburg Public Library in Indiana, Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library in Kansas and Barrington Area Library in Illinois.

"Community Profiles enables libraries to continue to provide local information 24/7," said Amie Thomas, public services administrator, Brownsburg Public Library. "We're able to connect our patrons with the information they need. It's easy to use and yet another opportunity for us to highlight the value of the broad variety of unique services our libraries offer every single day."

This platform aims to eliminate the knowledge barrier of what the library can offer beyond its doors. By integrating share buttons into each profile, patrons can share any Community Profile with close to 200 social media sites, including Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest.

To learn more about Community Profiles and Feature It and how they can benefit the library, visit Polaris Booth #1431 to receive a demonstration during the ALA conference.

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.