- Your library has been using Polaris for years. - You are the new Polaris administrator. - You've always done it this way, but what were the other ways you could do it? - All of the above!
The Polaris Academy offers a day long refresher course focused on 3 key areas of Polaris administration and use:
1. Technical Services Workflows 2. System Administration 3. Understanding and using the Polaris API (PAPI)
Being able to properly use Simply Reports and identifying errors in the catalog that can be corrected as a bulk change go hand in hand. This pre-conference will be a combination of two topics in one session. The first half of the session will introduce technical services staff to how Simply Reports functions, how to use it to gather department statistics, and how to use it to identify errors in the catalog. The second half of the session will introduce attendees to Leap's record set capabilities, including searching for record sets, creating record sets, and bulk changing records to correct the errors that were identified using Simply Reports. Attendees will be provided with worksheets with exercises to practice using Simply Reports and Leap. Attendees will need to bring a laptop computer and have access to both Simply Reports and Leap.
In 2011, 4 consortia in central and southern Illinois said, 'Go Big or Go Home,' and became the Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS), out of which the SHARE (Sharing Heartlands Available Resouces Equally) Consortium was born.
SHARE is the largest automated consortium in North America, and we will pull back the curtain on day-to-day operations with over 360 members at 480 locations.
During this presentation, attendees will get an inside look at SHARE's day-to-day operations, including insights into System Administration, Bibliographic Services, and custom in-house IT developments. These innovations enable efficient management of such a large network while preserving each library's individuality and autonomy.
SHARE and IHLS staff will be available to answer questions and provide demonstrations of additional software we utilize.
Like death and taxes, weeding library collections is an inevitability. Determining the who, what, how, and why of weeding can be complex and time consuming, not to mention what to do with all the discarded materials! In this session, our panelists will cover everything from the nitty gritty of gathering collection data for weeding lists to planning large scale weeding projects for collections in desperate need of clean-up. We will discuss the dynamics of combining data with collection knowledge to create consistent weeding workflows. And, of course how to deal with that one librarian who does not want to weed their beloved books.
When you work with Polaris, have you faced some challenges that the clients cannot help? For example: An item's material type does not match collection code, where is it? Are there patrons that are over 85 years old and have at least one long term overdue? Are there patrons that are over 85 years old and are inactive for more than 3 years? Can I have a list about my collections that each item's circulation count of lifetime are 5 or less? Are there any patrons that are over 18 years old but the patron code is still juvenile? How may I know that some of the items on a specific shelf are not inventoried? How many bibliographic records that have the coding of pre-publication? How many bibliographic records that the target audience is absent? May I know how many items my department ordered, and how much money has been encumbered? During any period of a year? May I know how many items we ordered are received, paid, or cancelled? During any period of a year? If you have the similar questions but have no answers, welcome to join in this presentation! You will also learn how to be able to create successful reports through SimplyReports. Plus what specific needs cannot be done by SimplyReports but Polaris Support Team can help.
Creating and automating reports is an effective way to gather data, distribute weeding lists, and any other task that you may find yourself performing regularly. Go beyond basic scheduled reports in SimplyReports and take them to the next level with Excel. In this session I'll show you:
1) How I've taken advantage of advanced publishing to schedule weeding lists for branches 2) How to work with regularly scheduled reports in Excel 3) Tools I've created using a combination of scheduled reports and Excel 4) Examples of formulas I use to help manage our collections.
All tech services staff are invited to join in a discussion of anything and everything related to cataloging and acquisitions in Polaris! Our conversation will guide the forum so please bring all your burning questions and conundrums. Potential topics include cataloging for Vega, developments in the cataloging and acquisitions modules in LEAP, and API acquisitions.
If you’ve ever broken into a cold sweat when asked to “take a quick look” at a MARC record, this session is for you. We’ll help you navigate the mysterious world of tags, subfields, and the dreaded fixed fields (which are definitely more fixed than you’d like).
We’ll break down the essentials of cataloging in a way that makes sense for ILS System Administrators, covering key concepts like metadata standards, record maintenance, and how your choices in the Polaris ILS can make or break discoverability.
By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with a newfound appreciation for cataloging, and the confidence to help tackle cataloging issues without fear, and maybe even find yourself a new favorite MARC tag.
Join us for an engaging forum dedicated to addressing the current challenges and innovations in library circulation. This platform is designed for librarians to share insights, strategies, and best practices in managing circulation processes and policies, tackling issues such as inventory management, patron engagement, and the integration of new technologies. Whether you're facing challenges with overdue materials, exploring digital lending options, or seeking ways to enhance user experience, this forum provides a collaborative space for discussion and problem-solving. Share your experiences, ask questions, and learn from your peers to enhance circulation services in your library.
We're not going to lie to you: An ILS migration is messy, complicated, and rarely goes according to plan. Maybe the databases are incompatible. Maybe one ILS is Linux based and the other runs on Windows Server. MARC is a standard format until you try and move it between two different ILS products. Don't forget about staff training and those who will tell you that you can pry the old ILS out of their cold, dead hands. Join us for a panel and forum discussion about ILS migrations that can help you prepare for the pitfalls and navigate the insanity. Carrie Gehrer, Wes Osborn, and Daniel Messer have migrated multiple ILS systems over to Polaris including Polaris to Polaris migrations, which you might think are easier. (Spoiler alert: They're not.) So bring your questions, concerns, and comments and, at the very least, we'll commiserate on the process while trying to help you out. Even if you're not migrating to Polaris, we can likely help you along on your journey.
Come see how System Admin is moving from the client into a web-based interface. Not everything is accessible yet, but this is where system admin is moving.
Nestled within the structure of the Polaris database there is an unassuming folder that may confound and confuse someone new to Polaris SQL. The Polaris views can be a strange place, with some oddities built right into the code. But this folder is of fantastic tools that can help make your life easier whenever you find yourself writing a query. We'll dive deep into these views and discover what they do, how they can help you, and how (and why) you can make your own.
This presentation is aimed at beginning and intermediate Polaris SQL users, but everyone is welcome!
Denver Public Library had been watching Leap functionality evolve from the sidelines for several years. In 2023, we decided the time was right to jump in and teach hundreds of front line staff at our 26 branch system to swim these new waters. Why not? We were only in the midst of a major reorg and several large-scale building renovations.
Come learn our approach to leveraging circumstances and timing to help Denver Public Library Leap forward.
Messy metadata. We've all got it. (In fact, if you don't, please come to this session and tell us how you reached that pinnacle of perfection!) In this panel, cataloging and metadata enthusiasts will discuss how we clean-up and maintain our Polaris database through monthly tasks, SQL searches, and even soliciting help outside of tech services. We'll discuss how to plan, prepare and tackle bigger projects like changing the classification of an entire collection or subject heading changes. And, of course, how to do it all while the librarians keep ordering and the materials keep arriving. Panelists will include members from hosted and unhosted sites, as well as consortia and stand-alone libraries.
This presentation aims to share training strategies to make SQL Searching in the Find Tool more accessible for more library staff. In-house training on this powerful Polaris tool can be engaging and helpful. However, several pitfalls often seem to plague 101 Trainings: not directed at front line staff, don't reduce the intimidation associated with 'coding,' or struggle to convey how it can be useful. Our library held a session on Find Tool SQL for our annual Staff Education Day, which is transitioning to regularly available training due to staff interest. These trainings, along with redesigning our circ training modules, have provided insight into more effectively introducing complex information to a wide staff audience.
Come join us as we discuss all things Polaris Consortia related! Let's discuss strategies on managing multiple libraries using Polaris, overcoming technical challenges, managing staff workflows/permissions, fostering collaboration among member institutions, governance; or whatever you want to bring up! The forum is focused specifically on Consortia using Polaris so discussion may veer into challenges unique to Polaris, but all are welcome!
Dive into SQL with Our Beginner’s Guide! Discover the essentials of SQL, explore the Polaris database structure, access key documentation, and learn a basic query.
Are you seeking answers? Looking for advice? Are you a new Polaris ILS administrator or someone who's seen Polaris SA so many times you no longer get lost flipping through menus? Either way, you're always welcome at the Polaris System Administration Forum! We'll dive into all the complexity and simplicity of managing, operating, and dealing with the Polaris system. From WebAdmin to SQL, we'll help you any way we can!
