GIS and Syndetic Solutions Partner to Provide Enriched Content to Polaris' Customers

Syracuse, NY - December 2001

Libraries using the Polaris integrated library system will be able to provide their patrons with exciting new features through the new web-based Polaris PowerPAC as the result of an agreement between Gaylord Information Systems (GIS) and Syndetic Solutions. Polaris customers who choose to subscribe to Syndetics can offer their patrons enriched content from a menu of options that includes tables of contents, reviews, first chapters and excerpts, author notes, book jacket images, summaries and annotations, and fiction and biography profiles.

The ability to display Syndetics' information to enhance the library patron's search experience is a result of Gaylord's release of version 2.0 of Polaris. The new release includes the Polaris PowerPAC, which serves as a gateway to the library's catalog and other library resources, including the web. Using the Polaris PowerPAC, patrons can find what they need more quickly and easily by performing single searches over the library catalog, multiple pre-selected web sites and search engines, and other Z39.50 library catalogs and databases.

"GIS is pleased to partner with Syndetic Solutions to provide Polaris library patrons with more information through the library PAC," said Katherine Blauer, GIS president. "The way we have implemented Z39.50 in Polaris means that when a library subscribes to Syndetics their patrons will retrieve enriched content from their own library's catalog as well as from any Z39.50 catalog they search. This gives patrons consistent search results whether they're searching their library's catalog or another library's catalog."

"Syndetics is excited about the innovative approach GIS has taken to incorporate the content. We think Polaris users are going to be extremely pleased, and we look forward to working with GIS staff as we continue to develop new features and capabilities," said Allan Graham, Syndetics' business director.

In addition to facilitating access to the Syndetics enriched content, the Polaris PowerPAC also provides a continuous newsfeed from MSNBC at no charge to Polaris customers, access to Web Feet³ for pre-selected Internet resources, and a link to DiscoverySchool.com, a unique learning resource for students, parents and teachers. "Our relationship with Syndetic Solutions is another example of how GIS is delivering more value to our Polaris customers through our aggressive pursuit of third-party partners both within and outside the library field," Blauer commented.

The Polaris integrated library system is currently installed in more than 180 libraries. The system features client/server design that supports wireless and thin client technologies; object-oriented programming that seamlessly links elements throughout subsystems; multi-tiered architecture that facilitates rapid development to adapt to new technologies; and graphical presentations for all aspects of the system, including the application software, operating system and network management facilities. Polaris was developed specifically for WindowsNT/2000 and can therefore take full advantage of all Windows functionality. In addition to advanced metasearching capabilities and enhanced content, Polaris 2.0 provides support for EDI X12 ordering, order acknowledgement, and invoicing using the latest standard (the 4010 enhanced standard); Z39.50 searching for authority records; and an interface to Unique Management Services for material recovery. Polaris 2.0 also includes numerous enhancements in all subsystems.

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