Library to adopt new, user-friendly catalog system Saturday

The Monroe County Public Library will release a new catalog system Saturday. \nThe system, Polaris, is a new Web-based catalog system will allow cardholders to access their searches from home more easily through limiting the searches by format, year of publication and even library branch, sending e-mails to inform them when something is due or when books arrive at the library. Other features include self-checkout and an option of paying fines from home. \nSaturday is the grand opening of the program, although beginning Wednesday people will be able to use the system by resetting their passwords and managing their accounts. \nMonroe County Public Library Community Relations Coordinator Margaret Harter said she sees this as a new and easy option for patrons. \n"This is a brand-new system since 1997, and there are a lot ways people can customize according to their interests," she said. \nAlthough this is a new online system, no risks are involved, Harter said. She said it is more secure than the old system for people to access their accounts according to their needs. \n"(What brought this about is) the fact that hardware might fail, and there needed to be a new system of putting hardware and software together, which will make it more available," said Cass Owens, assistant director of the library. \nOwens said it is a positive new system within the library, even for those that are used to the traditional system.\n"It's a learning period, and we will have to work with it, but I believe it will be easier for people. We are simply converting the old to the new. There will be no access to the old system, but people will be able to access the new one on Wednesday," Owens said. "It will only take minutes to transfer passwords."\nIn the new system, people will be able to keep track of what appeals to them at the moment by checking titles online, printing out what they looked at and accessing pictures and reviews of the items. \n"In the old system, there would be 20 different things, and people couldn't keep track of (them)," Owens said. \nShe believes people will be pleased. \n"It's like magic," she said. "Although cardholders were fine before, now they are actually able to interact with it in terms of maintaining their own account." \nEven people who do not have access to a computer will be able to take advantage of the new system. \n"People are always able to use our computers here at the library, or they can even call, and we will help them as best as we can," Owens said.\nDemonstrations at the library of the new catalog will be held this Saturday at 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. and will continue to be offered every day in room 2B on the second floor of the library. This Saturday's opening will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting by Sophia Travis, president of the Monroe County City Council, refreshments, live, music, and prizes throughout the day beginning at 1 p.m.\nFor more information on the new system and list of events, visit www.mcpl.info or contact Harter.