TLC receives platinum status
The Library Corporation is excited to announce that we have won two MLA Platinum Awards for our products in 2019. Our LS2 Kids from the Library•Solution platform, and Self Check•Connect from our CARL•X platform, were submitted for evaluation to the fifth annual Modern Library Awards (MLA) last fall, both achieving platinum status.
As the demand for library software that focuses on younger demographics increases, TLC is setting the standard within the industry. The design of our trailblazing LS2 Kids application is influencing other library software providers when developing their own versions.
“A children’s catalog is typically overlooked by vendors in the industry,” Kristin Gray, senior product manager at TLC and lead designer of LS2 Kids, said. “We researched our market, our customer base, and our intended users to create a product that is intuitive and comprehensive for kids,” she said. LS2 Kids delivers curated content found on a topic, and Scout, a playful canine avatar at the corner of the page, helps kids log on, place holds, download ebooks—and even communicates his favorite series and upcoming releases!
At TLC, our focus on younger library audiences also led to a platinum award for our CARL•X platform. Integrated within the CARL•Connect product line, Self Check•Connect went live in 2017, and was the first to provide a secure staff login to set-up preferences and enable workstations to enter Self-Check mode. Self Check•Connect introduced the concept of checking in and out materials to young borrowers in a fun, independent, and playful way.
“It’s my favorite kind of project,” says TLC’s UX Designer for TLC’s CARL Products, Laurie Kubitz. “A library tool for kids to use that will help librarians do what they do best—create lifelong learners!” The challenge with Self Check•Connect involved providing a sense of accomplishment for young readers that would keep them coming back to use the library with confidence and anticipation. TLC created an interface that offers consistent feedback, emphasizing achievement for students while maintaining flexibility that upholds library checkout limits and updates staff about returned materials.
“Too often the youngest users of the library get overlooked because they don’t have a seat at the table when making system purchases or development decisions,” said TLC’s CEO, Annette Harwood Murphy. “At TLC, we are committed to every borrower having the best experience in the library as possible—whether it be through our ILS software, curating STEM and Makerspace content with our SmartTECH line, or exploring avenues to bring RFID technology via Tech Logic into schools.”
These awards mark the third consecutive year that TLC achieved recognition with the MLAs. LS2 Cataloging achieved platinum status in 2018, and CARL•Connect Discovery Mobile achieved gold status in 2017.
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About the Modern Library Awards program
The Modern Library Awards (MLAs) is a program designed to recognize elite products and services in the library market which can help library management personnel enhance the quality-of-experience for the library user and increase the performance of their library systems.
About The Library Corporation
TLC has operated continuously under the same ownership since 1974 and employs over 200 people dedicated to delivering enterprise software and hardware solutions to public, school, academic, and special libraries worldwide. TLC’s cumulative products are deployed in more than 1,100 organizations, representing over 5,500 locations in North America. TLC is certified by the U.S. General Services Administration, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, and the Women Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program. TLC’s Headquarters is based in Inwood, WV., and has additional offices in Denver, Minnesota, and Singapore.
