Polaris Users Group - Oct. 2013

The Polaris Users Group annual meeting is an outstanding event for learning about the Polaris system and networking with staff members from other Polaris libraries.  A few highlights:

- Polaris is coming out with a new version of their system, called LEAP, which will provide a web-based staff interface.  This means that we will be able to work with Polaris in staff mode from any computer with an internet connection.  The first functions to be available will be patron services, including checkout and holds.  Eventually, all of the current staff functions will be possible through LEAP.  The user interface looks very well designed - simple, intuitive, and efficient - a big improvement on the current staff client software.  The current client will continue to be developed and supported, although I assume that eventually it will be replaced by LEAP or something like it.  This was confirmed by statements from Innovative Interfaces after they purchased the Polaris company in spring 2014.  We decided that we could not afford to buy LEAP at present - we will wait and see how it develops.

- Polaris will be integrating Overdrive functions into the catalog, so that customers can see availability of ebooks and e-audiobooks, place holds, and check them out right from the PAC, without having to go to a separate Md. Digital Library website.

- Lots of useful features are coming in an upgrade in 2014, including allowing a renewal for an item with a hold, if there's another item that could fill it available; hold notices can be processed multiple times per day, not just once overnight; we can send a second hold pickup notice if the item isn't picked up; we can protect a bib record from ever being overlaid, and automatically delete certain MARC tags on importing bib records; we will be able to do an ad hoc bulk change from any window with a list of items.

The great advantage of the PUG conference is its narrow focus - everybody uses the same software and has the same issues or questions.  I will definitely be attending in the future!