San Marcos Public Library introduces new circulation system

By Kaylie Kruk, Blog Contributor

San Marcos Public Library installed a new circulation management system on March 3 enhancing the way patrons and staff access the library’s services.

The Polaris Automation System, ​​designed by Clarivate Innovative Interfaces and purchased using American Rescue Plan Act funding, has combined all the library’s existing data and services under one platform allowing for easy access to collections, resources, events and more.

Public Services Manager and Interim Director Adam Landry, who had been working on this project for over a year, says efficiency is the most important aspect of the new system.

“It’s a truly integrative system, which will allow for more efficient workflows for our staff and a more seamless, user-friendly experience for our patrons,” said Landry.

The previous system required many different supplemental programs and vendors to successfully run the system, but now patrons will have an all-in-one experience.

Some features include easy access to online book collections, library events calendar, study room bookings and other online services like Kanopy Streaming, New York Times access, ePrinting, Mango Languages, Heritage Quest and much more.

Along with the updated online system, the library launched a user-friendly mobile app that patrons can download to a mobile phone. The defining features of the app are the implementation of a digital library card for quick, convenient use and an ISBN scanner for looking up outside books to check if it’s in the library’s catalog.

After more than 20 years with the retired system, Landry says the library is looking to keep up with modern technology and continuously serve the ever-changing community.

“Part of our mission is to meet the needs of the community and the community’s needs are constantly evolving,” said Landry. “So, it’s kind of our duty to adapt to changes on the ground, adapt to the needs of the community and adapt to trends and current technologies and remain relevant to the community.”

The proposal for a new system happened a few years ago, but the procurement process started only a year and a half ago. After six months of implementation, the system is ready to be learned by staff and introduced to the public.

The library closed for the day on Thursday, Feb. 27 for the purpose of training all 28 staff members on the new system. Library Assistant Kasey Blankenship says she is looking forward to the efficiency of the new system.

“I’m really excited about it,” said Blankenship. “I think that the new features that we’re going to incorporate and the ways that we are going to be integrating many of the different features we use now, is going to result in a much better user experience, both for the staff and for the public.”

A valuable behind-the-scenes feature of the new system is that it is web-based, meaning library staff will be able to access this interface anywhere Wi-Fi is available. This will make it easier for staff to conduct outreach during community events and help serve patrons at the front desk.

Landry encourages all Texas State University students to utilize the library’s space and services, whether it be to study in a different space or to take a break and read your favorite book.

“This can be their leisure library, you know,” said Landry. “When you wanna take a break from studying or student life, and you don’t want to walk up all the stairs to Alkek, you’re just 20 steps from the park and will be 20 steps from the door right here.”

San Marcos and Hays County residents, including Texas State students, are eligible to register for a free library card by presenting a form of photo ID and providing address verification. With or without a card, everyone is welcome to enter the library.

Access the new system through the San Marcos Public Library’s existing catalog website by visiting http://mysmpl.org.