(FORT WAYNE, IN) – The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is celebrating its first month of successful implementation with the Polaris Integrated Library System and the accompanying website and mobile app upgrades launched on October 31, 2023. The launch marked the culmination of months of preparation and the migration of millions of records, including patron information, library catalog records, and web data to the new system.
After an extensive request for proposal period involving ACPL staff and leaders from various departments, the Library chose Clarivate as its partner for the upgrade. Clarivate’s Polaris ILS and accompanying Vega tools provide better search functionality, an improved and more seamless user experience, and greater discovery opportunities for patrons whether they are visiting one of ACPL’s libraries or accessing the virtual library off-site.
“A system upgrade of this magnitude is never easy, but we approached it with a ‘can do’ attitude with the needs of our patrons at the forefront,” said project manager and ACPL Chief of Public Service Operations Kim Bolan. “I am so proud of how our team came together to usher in this new, modern suite of tools for our community – and with minimal impact to the patron experience. This upgrade puts ACPL in a position to meet our current needs and our goals for the future!”
The initial launch of the new systems occurred on October 30 when ACPL was closed for its annual Staff Training Day. All Library staff members were on site that day to work in the new system, troubleshoot any initial challenges, and prepare for the public launch.
ACPL Executive Director Susan P. Baier visited several locations shortly after the system went live on October 30. “I was impressed with how intuitive the Polaris system was,” said Baier. “Our staff was checking in books and cataloging new items the morning we went live. It was incredible to see it work so smoothly and to see the excitement in our staff as they saw how this new tool was going to impact their day-to-day work, and ultimately, the patrons’ access to materials.”
Although it was not required as part of the upgrade, ACPL chose to simultaneously launch a new website and mobile app using Vega Promote Web and Innovative Mobile. Both the website and app boast a modern look and feel, integrate with Polaris, are easy to use, and offer enhanced discoverability of ACPL’s vast collections and services.
The Library continues to welcome feedback from staff, patrons, and the community about the upgrade. This input has already proven valuable to ACPL in fine-tuning the functionality of the products to ensure a positive patron experience. Additional input can be shared at ask@acpl.info.
The community is encouraged to explore the new website at acpl.info or visit any ACPL location to learn more about the system upgrade.
About the ACPL
The Allen County Public Library has fostered lifelong learning and discovery in northeast Indiana for more than 125 years. The ACPL consists of fourteen branches throughout Allen County, serving more than one million visitors per year. The ACPL’s collection includes more than 2.7 million items, with a circulation total of 3.6 million items borrowed annually. It also houses The Genealogy Center, the nation’s largest public genealogy research center, and The Rolland Center for Lincoln Research, consisting of more than 20,000 artifacts related to President Abraham Lincoln.
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