Edison, NJ – LMxAC will be migrating their systems to an entirely new library software product, Polaris from Innovative, launching on June 13th, 2024. This includes a powerful new online catalog that will provide a search experience that will help patrons easily find materials and select the format and edition among their print and digital collections. Additionally, the new library software will provide staff productivity enhancements, better statistical reporting, and patron engagement tools that will help their members connect with their patrons in new ways.
“We knew we were ready for a new system, and we wanted to explore options that included strong patron engagement and analytics tools to help our members make informed decisions for serving their communities,” said Eric Lozauskas, Executive Director of LMxAC. “Having an easy-to-use web-based staff client will help to simplify training while giving us flexibility to use tablets for outreach services and bookmobiles. We’re also excited about the room booking, event management and email marketing tools that will help our libraries promote the wealth of services they provide. Library patrons will benefit from a brand new online catalog with search results grouped by title, author pages, librarian-curated lists, and an interface designed for serendipitous discovery.”
Starting on June 3rd, libraries will only be checking out materials. Any due dates that fall between June 3rd and June 13th will be automatically extended to June 20th. If you have any items checked out during this time, please help out your local library by holding on to these items until after they launch with their new library software on June 13th. Also, be sure to watch for a series of “Catalog Previews” where member libraries will be sharing a screenshot and details about a feature from the new catalog across social media and email campaigns leading up to launch day.
LMxAC is a nonprofit membership organization providing a wide range of services to its member libraries. The Consortium was established in 1986, and currently consists of 38 public libraries in Middlesex, Monmouth, and Union counties and Middlesex College. The primary purpose of the consortium is to operate a shared automation system for its members and to promote all aspects of cooperative automated projects and resource sharing so that a higher quality of library services will be provided to residents within our service area. LMxAC develops, maintains and provides technological expertise; offers affordable, cost effective services to its member libraries; supports additional value-added services in the areas of collection development, continuing education for staff and trustees, marketing, consulting, and state and national library advocacy. For more information, please visit lmxac.org.