Polaris Library Systems Supports ReadersFirst Initiative
Syracuse, NY (PRWEB) September 25, 2013 -- Polaris Library Systems today announces its support of the ReadersFirst Initiative to ensure all patrons have the same open, free access to e-content, as they do physical items within the library catalog.
ReadersFirst, an international coalition of over 280 library systems and 198 million readers cooperating to improve the electronic lending experience, speaks directly to e-content providers on how they must be willing partners and offer accessible e-content materials. The movement was founded on four principles, which will allow patrons to:
• Search and browse a single comprehensive catalog with all of a library’s offerings at once, including all e-books, physical collections, programs, blogs and donor activities.
• Place holds, check-out items, view availability, manage fines and receive communications within individual library catalogs or in the venue the library believes will serve patrons best, without having to visit separate websites.
• Seamlessly enjoy a variety of e-content, by allowing the library to choose content, devices and apps from any provider or from multiple providers, without bundling, that limits a library’s ability to serve content they purchase on platforms of their choice.
• Download e-books that are compatible with all readers, from the Kindle to the Nook to the iPad, and so on.
Polaris Library Systems joins in supporting ReadersFirst, recognizing the need for change as e-content demand continues to rise.
“The ReadersFirst Initiative has emerged at a pivotal time; when libraries are beginning to evolve and modernize to meet the needs of their patrons,” said Bill Schickling, president and CEO, Polaris Library Systems. “Polaris is both elated and grateful that the organization has taken this stance and we are very confident that their efforts will transform how e-content is accessed in public libraries worldwide.”
ReadersFirst hopes to advance a more seamless and less complicated electronic lending experience, stating that libraries have a responsibility to fight for the public in order to improve patron discovery and service. E-content and ILS vendors, as well as public libraries, are encouraged to join in supporting the initiative and can become a ReadersFirst Coalition Partner by registering at http://www.readersfirst.org.
About Polaris Library Systems
Polaris Library Systems is a leading library automation software company, earning the highest customer satisfaction ratings by focusing on one goal: helping librarians serve their communities. Established in 2003, Polaris Library Systems provides academic, private and public libraries with an integrated library system that boosts productivity, improves patron satisfaction and transforms how libraries connect, communicate and collaborate with their communities in the modern world. For more information, visit http://www.polarislibrary.com.
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Contact:
Emily Bowe, PR Specialist
Polaris Library Systems
315-634-4519
emily(dot)bowe(at)polarislibrary(dot)com
Emily Bowe, Polaris Library Systems, http://polarislibrary.com, +1 315-634-4519, [email protected]
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