Polaris

The Story of Polaris

The Need for a New System
Yellowhead Regional Library, as a member of the TRAC Consortium, has operated on the Dynix Integrated Library System (ILS) for the last eight years. The TRAC Directors identified several years ago that a migration process to another ILS was necessary as the Dynix software is no longer being developed and will no longer be supported by the SirsiDynix Company. Initially, TRAC planned to migrate to the SirsiDynix Horizon software. Owing to the age of the Dynix system and the continuing delays of the release of Horizon 8.0, the TRAC Directors decided to assess the marketplace with a view to selecting and implementing a new ILS for TRAC.

Choosing the right System for TRAC
Evaluations were conducted of several different library system products. Member library staff were invited to evaluate the circulation and OPAC (online public access catalogue) functions of each of three shortlisted ILS products. In April 2008, Polaris was selected as the new ILS for TRAC and an agreement was reached to purchase the ILS and related services.

System Implementation
Several stages are involved in implementing a new ILS. As well as installing the new hardware and software, existing data must be moved from the old Dynix system to the new Polaris system. The task of moving or migrating the data is not straightforward because the data structures in Polaris are very different than those in Dynix. Profiles and maps must be constructed to enable the old data to be moved into the structures of the new system. This process allows all of our records to transfer properly and work smoothly in the new system. Member library staff are involved in these mapping and profiling activities to ensure that the way we set up the new system will work well for our member libraries. Member libraries may be contacted during this phase to request library specific information that was not obtainable from the Dynix System.

Testing the New System
This next stage of implementation involves testing the data as it is transfered into Polaris. Member libraries may be asked to help with the careful review of the data to make sure that all the information has transferred correctly. Corrections to our data maps will be made according to what is found in the testing process.

Training
Training for member library staff on the new Polaris system took place in November and December both at Yellowhead headquarters and in member libraries. To access the training materials, click below:
Polaris Training
 

Live on Polaris!
On Thursday January 8, 2009 we will go live on Polaris and enjoy all the new features that this new software offers.