Polaris is the new Integrated Library System (ILS) that controls almost
everything we do here in the library. It is the system we use for registering
your patron information, keeping inventory of our materials, linking these
materials to your patron file, searching this inventory, controlling the
ability to access our databases from your home, and allowing you to renew
items. The Staff are looking forward to many of the improvements Polaris
will give us, but here are some things you should be excited about with
Polaris:
Passwords – Online patron accounts will
require your library card number and a password. This offers you added
security for your library account. So if you like to renew your books
or check your account online, you will now be required to enter your
password as well. To make this transition easier, we automatically assigned
the last four-digits of your phone number as your password which you
can change once you log in for the first time. Also,
you must enter the D from your barcode. If your password is not
working, please contact the Circulation Desk at 272-4557 x269. You must
have your library card number when you call.
Personalized Search Agent – You can create a search, for example,
books about vegetarian cooking or books written by Dan Brown, and then
save this search under your patron profile. You can schedule the frequency
you want your Search Agent to search the catalog. When the Search Agent
runs, it finds any new titles that have been added to the collection
that match your search. Then you will receive an email with these new
titles.
First Available Copy Fills Holds Regardless of Format – If you
want a copy of Angels and Demons and don’t care if it is in hardback,
paperback, large type, or soundrecording, you can place one hold and
whichever version is available first will be held for you.
Spanish Language Interface – The library catalog will also
be available in Spanish. This means that all of the text associated
with the catalog menus will be in Spanish. However, the titles of the
materials will still be in English.
Kids’ Catalog – Kids will have their own kid-friendly screens
to search the catalog. The kids’ catalog uses categories for easy point-and-click
browsing in addition to the standard search boxes.
Other Features – More booklists such as most-searched titles,
best fiction, popular authors, and new titles.
The Polaris PowerPac is the online catalog you see when you search for
a book in the Library. It is also the same catalog you see if you are
searching our collection from home. Click here
to begin using.
Polaris,
the new Tompkins County Public Library online catalog, is here! 