Pasadena Central Library (Photo – cityofpasadena.net)
Pasadena Public Library is introducing a new Integrated Library System (ILS) to manage bibliographic/item holdings, patron registration, patron account activity, and online resources.
By News Desk
The new ILS system will mark a transition from an ILS jointly operated with Glendale Library, Arts and Culture (GL). The new single-agency ILS will provide the Pasadena Public Library (PPL) with greater local control, focus solely on the needs of the Pasadena cardholders, and allow PPL to generate better data so that the collection reflects Pasadenans’ interests and improves the delivery of resources to Pasadenans.
Local control and more
The system will include:
- Local control and enhanced security of patron information, bibliographic information and software that protects patron privacy. Proper information security protocols were not established in original PPL/GL partnership; deficiencies were noted by the MGO 2019 City Fraud Risk Assessment.
- Local control over the selection and purchasing of materials, cataloging procedures and system policy.
- Faster fulfillment of material holds and requests.
- PPL’s resources will directly benefit Pasadena residents; the prior system favored Glendale residents due to GL purchases that appeared in the database but were not available to Pasadena cardholders. PPLs spend more money annually on print and electronic materials.
- Easier, clearer and more intuitive library catalog searching of only Pasadena materials.
- Easier navigation of the online catalog.
- Development of a “Young Adult” Catalog in addition to the “General” and “Children’s” catalogs.
- Enhanced mobile app functionality.
- Streamlined system management and administration for only one set of system parameters.
- Faster implementation of policies and procedures in the single-agency system.
- Simplified and automated management of financials and better adherence with City of Pasadena Finance rules
- More robust reporting and data features that focus only on Pasadena materials, providing more accurate and detailed statistics
- Library materials not available at PPL may be still be requested from GL or any other library.
Background
PPL and GL have shared a library catalog database since 1981; the system has allowed the two agencies to operate somewhat interdependently with reciprocal lending to customers. The expiration of the current ILS contract, along with the introduction of more stringent privacy, data and information controls instituted by the City of Pasadena, have precipitated a review of and departure from the shared database structure. In January 2019, PPL and GL and agreed that they could better serve their respective customers by operating on separate ILS platforms.
PPL engaged in a competitive Request for Proposal process, identifying SirsiDynix as its vendor. The Pasadena City Council approved a five-year contract with SirsiDynix at its January 27, 2020 meeting. Full implementation will not occur until late Fall 2020, but the transition and separation of resources begins this month.
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