Author:Rhia Stark

February 23, 2023 In LibrarySolution, Press Releases, schools

Middlesex School (MA) Launches TLC•Go! Mobile App

The Library Corporation (TLC) is delighted to announce its first implementation of TLC•Go! as a school library mobile app solution. At the start of the fall semester, students attending Middlesex School, an independent secondary school near Concord, Massachusetts, began accessing their favorite Warburg Library services and other school resources via Android or iOS. TLC•Go!’s seamless integration with the library’s automation system, Library•Solution for Schools, made for a smooth implementation.

Middlesex hosts over 400 students in grades 9-12, with 70% boarding on campus. The campus library, Warburg Library, carries over 43,000 physical materials in addition to its extensive digital collection. Integrating TLC•Go! has allowed students to access titles and eResources — such as links to Sora materials — from anywhere on campus or at home, in a convenient all-in-one library app.

The app has been live for a full semester now at Middlesex. “Having the library in the palm of your hand makes it so much easier for our students to find what they are looking for,” said Jeff Smith, Director of Warburg Library. “No more jotting down call numbers on post-it notes.”

Staff at the school can customize the app from the Content Management System to update resources and announcements throughout the semester. Customizable settings in the app allow students to change the language, layout, brightness, and notifications. Native accessibility features also impact the app display for equitable access for all students.

“By fostering a lifelong love of learning and teaching crucial information literacy skills, libraries are — at their core — the heart of our academic organizations,” declared Annette Murphy, CEO of TLC. “We appreciate the opportunity to support Warburg Library’s mission and offer TLC•Go! and Library•Solution for Schools as portals into their invaluable library services.”

To see the library app in action, search Warburg Library MX School in Google Play or the App Store. For more information on procuring your own mobile library app, please contact TLC at sales@tlcdelivers.com.

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 and worldwide. 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, W.Va., and has additional offices in Colorado, Minnesota, and Singapore.

February 5, 2023 In LibrarySolution, Press Releases

Vienna Public Library Launches NovelBranch Library Kiosk at Grand Central Mall

Vienna Public Library (VPL) is launching its first NovelBranch mini-library kiosk this month, outside the JCPenney at Grand Central Mall in Vienna, West Virginia. By establishing a secondary presence in the community, in a place already frequented by many patrons, the library will be able to expand its outreach services and welcome new users. Cardholders can check out items using the self-service book kiosk thanks to a seamless connection to VPL’s integrated library system, Library•Solution from The Library Corporation (TLC).

Grand Central Mall is the main shopping center of Vienna and a major retail hub in the Mid-Ohio Valley. “We have potential to reach users that might not necessarily know that our Vienna branch is here,” said Brenna Call, Director of Library Services at Vienna Public Library. “They may be able to catch one of the buses to the mall as part of their daily routine. It gives greater access and greater opportunity to make connections with people in the community.”

To commemorate the new kiosk, the library will be hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony and free library card sign-up at Grand Central Mall on Friday, February 10, 2023, at 11:30 a.m.

As the sole-source provider of NovelBranch kiosks in the United States, TLC facilitated the sale, implementation, and ongoing support for Vienna Public Library’s NovelBranch through TLC•SmartTECH, TLC’s curation of third-party hardware solutions for libraries. TLC worked in tandem with Convergent Library Technologies, the NovelBranch manufacturer, and staff at the Vienna Public Library to complete the implementation.

“The library will always be the heart of the community,” said Annette H. Murphy, CEO of TLC. “By extension, Vienna’s NovelBranch carries that pulse of the library to more members throughout the city. We are pleased to see libraries embrace this technology, so close to our own home across the state.”

For more information on the NovelBranch mini library please visit TLCSmartTECH.shop or speak to a representative at sales@tlcdelivers.com.

About TLC•SmartTECH
TLC•SmartTECH, a division of The Library Corporation, has cultivated a collection of premium brands that provide libraries and schools with a single source for interactive technology and audio/visual needs. TLC•SmartTECH is the exclusive reseller of the NovelBranch in the United States. Shop the product line at TLCSmartTECH.shop.

January 27, 2023 In LibrarySolution, Press Releases

Waukee Public Library System (IA) Launches TLC•Go! Mobile App

The Library Corporation (TLC) is excited to announce that the Waukee Public Library (WPL) is officially live with TLC•Go! — the latest mobile app solution provided by TLC. Those who live in and around Waukee, Iowa, can now access their favorite library services via Android and iOS, thanks to a seamless connection between TLC•Go! and WPL’s integrated library system, Library•Solution.

The Waukee Public Library circulates over 270,000 titles per year. Integrating TLC•Go! allows community members to access these titles, along with eResources, from the ease and comfort of their homes. Opening an app is easier than using search engines to find the catalog whenever a patron needs to place a hold or connect with their account.

“Having an app has really helped us meet our patrons where they are,” said Laura Hanson, Technical Services Manager for Waukee Public Library. “We have a very tech-savvy community, and the app allows them to connect to us in a more consistent way. We try to be patron-focused in our approach to library service, and the app allows us to do that.”

TLC•Go!’s built-in Click & Collect feature has been notably convenient for WPL curbside services. The dashboard provides an all-in-one spot for simplified staff-side management, while the patron experience is similar to expected commercial apps, such as Target or similar stores. Hanson shared, “Patrons especially like that they no longer have to schedule a pick-up in advance. This fits better into their lives than scheduling in advance like we had to do previously.”

Additionally, the library staff has significant control over the design and content of the app. “We like that TLC•Go! gives us workflows to display suggested titles and items coming soon,” said Hanson. “We love how easy it was to build a winter reading tab to link our winter reading webpage.”

“TLC has been amazing to work with (but truthfully they always are),” said Hanson, following the implementation of the new app. “I felt like every step of the way, we had guidance on what was happening and what was expected or needed of us. Any issues or questions we had were quickly resolved. We also really appreciated how easy the process was from our end, which is clearly a sign of the preemptive work done on TLC’s part.”

Amber Downs, Project Manager at TLC, returned the sentiment shared by the staff at Waukee Public Library, adding that “TLC•Go! provides accessibility on a whole new level. We have resources and the library catalog available whenever it is wanted or needed. The positive impact it has on the community is always significant.”

To see the library app in action, search Waukee Public Library in Google Play or the App Store. For more information on procuring your own mobile library app, please contact TLC at sales@tlcdelivers.com.

January 17, 2023 In FETC-2023, MLA, Press Releases

TLC’s ITS•MARC Cataloging Service Receives Platinum Award

The Library Corporation (TLC) is pleased to receive a platinum distinction for ITS•MARC in LibraryWorks’ ninth annual Modern Library Awards (MLAs). TLC’s online copy cataloging resource provides access to over 81 million records, including both bibliographic and authority records.

TLC has been delivering solutions to libraries worldwide since introducing a source of MARC records on microfiche in 1974. Since then, TLC has been a leader in metadata, with its cataloging services getting better every year. After partnering with additional library contributors to grow its copy cataloging service in early 2022, TLC is honored that this improvement has culminated in a platinum MLA.

The MLAs were created to recognize top products and services in the library industry in a truly unbiased format. Products and services were submitted in the fall of 2022, batched into small groups, and sent to the LibraryWorks database of more than 80,000 librarians at public, K-12, academic, and special libraries.

Only customers with experience using ITS•MARC in their libraries were permitted to judge, resulting in a truly unbiased score. Each judge scored the library management system on a numeric basis from 1-10 on a series of questions regarding functionality, value, customer services, etc.

The resource scored highest in the following categories:

Quality of the service delivered by TLC: 9.0
Satisfaction with TLC, the company providing ITS•MARC: 9.0

ITS•MARC is an ILS-agnostic service that draws its records from 23 separate databases.

Jenny Newman, publisher and MLA program manager said, “It’s hardly a surprise that TLC scored so well. They’ve been at the forefront of the metadata industry since their company entered the market in 1974.”

For more information and to sign up for a 30-day free trial of ITS•MARC visit itsmarc.com or contact sales@tlcdelivers.com.

About LibraryWorks
LibraryWorks helps administrators to make informed decisions about library technology, automation and software, collection development and management, facilities and furnishings, staffing, purchasing, and other areas that drive effective strategic planning and day-to-day operations. Our family of resources can enable you to identify best practices, monitor trends, evaluate new products and services, apply for grants and funding, post or find a job, and even enjoy some library humor.

About the Modern Library Awards program
The Modern Library Awards (MLAs) is a review program designed to recognize elite products and services in the market which can help library management personnel enhance the quality-of-experience for the library user and increase the performance of their library systems.

January 17, 2023 In FETC-2023, LibrarySolution, MLA, Press Releases, schools

TLC Honored with Platinum Award for Library•Solution for Schools

The Library Corporation (TLC) is honored to receive a platinum distinction in LibraryWorks’ ninth annual Modern Library Awards (MLAs) for Library•Solution for Schools. The integrated library system (ILS), designed for K-12 school libraries, has been optimized with over 20+ years of partner collaboration for daily workflows and transitions between school years.

Library•Solution for Schools provides complete, seamless integration of its full suite of web-based interfaces: circulation, enriched public access catalog & distinct children’s catalog, cataloging with authority control, advanced inventory management, centralized reports management & scheduling, serial metadata, online acquisitions, digital content integration, eCommerce, SIP integration, and more.

The MLAs were created to recognize top products and services in the library industry in a truly unbiased format. Products and services were submitted in the fall of 2022 by using a simple application and then were posted on a private site with an enhanced description and attendant materials. The submitted products were batched into small groups and sent to the LibraryWorks database of more than 80,000 librarians at public, K-12, academic, and special libraries.

Only customers with experience using Library•Solution for Schools in their libraries were permitted to judge, resulting in a truly unbiased score. Each judge scored the library management system on a numeric basis from 1-10 on a series of questions regarding functionality, value, customer services, etc.

The ILS scored highest in the following categories:

Library•Solution for Schools vs. competitive/similar products: 9.33
Quality of the service delivered by TLC: 9.25

One customer shared anonymously, “We have been with TLC for 21 years, and have migrated to a Hosted Solution with them. Service is impeccable; and I feel extremely confident in their security of our data.”

Jenny Newman, publisher and MLA program manager said, “It’s hardly a surprise that TLC scored so well. Library•Solution for Schools has been at the forefront of the school library industry since its initial release in 2002.”

For more information on the Library•Solution for Schools product suite, contact sales@tlcdelivers.com.

January 17, 2023 In CARL, MLA, Press Releases

TLC’s FRBR Catalog Receives Another Platinum Award

The Library Corporation (TLC) is pleased to receive a platinum distinction for consecutive years for CARL•Connect Discovery Grouped Title Display in LibraryWorks’ ninth annual Modern Library Awards (MLAs). The multi-honoree FRBRized online catalog, released in 2018, uses Trusted Records to link titles together for an enhanced search experience.

Grouped Title Display functionality in CARL•Connect Discovery displays a single entry for a work instead of numerous entries for each format and edition. Grouping multiple editions and formats of a bibliographic record give library users a clear and trustworthy view of the library collection. CARL•Solution customers have been included in the development of Grouped Title Display from its inception, with active feedback reflected in the product.

Only customers with experience using CARL•Connect Discovery Grouped Title Displays in their libraries were permitted to judge, resulting in a truly unbiased score. Each judge scored CARL•Connect Discovery Grouped Title Displays on a numeric basis from 1-10 on a series of questions regarding functionality, value, customer services, etc.

The catalog received an overall score of 9.4, and no score less than 9.0. Based on customer feedback, the following categories received the highest scores:

Quality of CARL•Connect Discovery Grouped Title Display: 9.5
CARL•Connect Discovery vs. competitive/similar products: 9.75
Satisfaction with TLC, the company providing CARL•Connect Discovery: 9.75

One customer shared anonymously, “We are delighted with TLC’s CARL•Connect Discovery Grouped Title Display! They are very responsive to their customer’s development wishes. I can see the product only getting better as development continues.”

Jenny Newman, publisher and MLA program manager said, “It’s hardly a surprise that TLC’s online catalog scored so well again this year. Libraries are trending more toward catalogs that highlight the collection in a modern interface.”

For more information on the CARL•Solution product suite, contact sales@tlcdelivers.com.

January 12, 2023 In CARL, FETC-2023, LibrarySolution, Press Releases, Tech Logic

TLC and Tech Logic Bring RFID to K-12 School Libraries at FETC

The Library Corporation (TLC) invites attendees of FETC to visit Booth #3316. The Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) will take place January 24-26, 2023, in New Orleans, Louisiana. TLC will showcase powerful RFID integration for schools within its prestigious, modern library management system (LMS). Attendees can also learn about the native data security practices and student privacy features inherent to the LMS. TLC will also showcase its latest library mobile app, cloud hosting services, and vendor-agnostic cataloging services.

Secure Library Software

Library•Solution for Schools — Award-winning K-12 library management with age-appropriate user experiences for all students

TLC•Cloud Services — A cloud hosting service that utilizes Oracle Cloud Infrastructure and exclusive winner of Modern Library Award’s Service of the Year in 2021
TLC•Go! — A world-leading and customizable library app that also lets borrowers checkout from their own device

Standalone Cataloging Services

ITS•MARC — Over 81 million high-quality bibliographic and authority records from 20+ databases, via web or Z39.50
eBiblioFile — Continuous delivery of RDA-enriched MARC records for your OverDrive and cloudLibrary records
RDAExpress — Automate your library’s entire RDA conversion process in 24 hours or less

TLC has been providing reliable library automation and data services to K-12 schools for decades with Library•Solution for Schools. Its excellent customer service to school district libraries is due to TLC’s company stability in the marketplace. Through its 48 year history, TLC has focused on select, key acquisitions and, as such, TLC is the only vendor to offer complementary RFID technologies through its subsidiary Tech Logic. Together, TLC and Tech Logic are pleased to support libraries such as Rochester City School District (RCSD) to pioneer RFID in the K-12 library market.

See the RFID Transformation in Action:

TDT08 | RFID Solutions for the School Library
Wednesday, January 25, 2023 • 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM
Expo Hall: Technology Discovery Theater
Presenters: Dr. Colleen Sadowski (RCSD), Dr. Melissa Frost (RCSD), John Burns (TLC), and Tom Loy (Tech Logic)

C121 | RFID in the School Library
Wednesday, January 25, 2023 • 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Room: 201-202
Presenters: Dr. Colleen Sadowski (RCSD) and Dr. Melissa Frost (RCSD)

Booth Schedule

Tuesday, January 24, 2023 • 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday, January 25, 2023 • 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday, January 26, 2023 • 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

To schedule a time to meet with the TLC team, please contact sales@tlcdelivers.com. Or stop by Booth #3316. Representatives can discuss your library’s needs and answer any questions about TLC products and services.

About The Library Corporation & Tech Logic
Established in 1974 and under the same ownership today, The Library Corporation (TLC) continues to pioneer library technology with award-winning integrated library systems and standalone copy cataloging services. Over 5,500 libraries worldwide use Library•Solution, Library•Solution for Schools, CARL•Solution, ITS•MARC, and eBiblioFile from TLC. Tech Logic, established in 1997 and part of the TLC family since 2005, provides innovative solutions like automated material handling (totalAMH), streamlined staff tools (staffCIRC), and patron self-service (selfCIRC) to hundreds of libraries across North America and internationally. Together, TLC and Tech Logic provide a unified experience and unparalleled customer support — from an international, woman-owned small business — for libraries seeking single-vendor systems integration. The company is headquartered in West Virginia, with offices in Colorado, Minnesota, and Singapore.

January 10, 2023 In LibrarySolution, Press Releases

Library•Solution v5.7 Revolutionizes Report Writing for Non-Experts

The latest release of Library•Solution is now available from The Library Corporation (TLC). Version 5.7 introduces a new report authoring framework to streamline complex reports and a comprehensive suite of serial management tools. Early adopters noted the upgrade was straightforward.

Version 5.7 and 5.7.1 continue TLC’s development theme of software designed for operational efficiency. This release package presents anticipated features by customers still using version 4.x and those who have already transitioned to v5.x.

Like the revolutionary cataloging module, the new report authoring no longer requires specialization. Report authors can now write custom report templates from an accessible, drag-and-drop interface. Dashboards enable quick views of lists, pivot tables, and visualizations for specific borrower, item, and activity data.

New serial functionality focuses on streamlining metadata entry and subscription automation. Notifications provide helpful alerts around expected issues on a subscription. The latest comprehensive development included pattern recognition, circulation workflows, PAC display, and full metrics.

“Providing efficient workflows enables our customers to spend less time on the tactical and more time creating customer value,” said Sam Brenizer, Director of Product Management for Library•Solution. “Streamlined solutions that create value and excite customers are crucial to a vibrant ILS.”

Full release notes are available to customers via LS•Community. Other highlights include:

Improved database performance for ITS•MARC Authorities
Proactive security development
New tag management and improved tagging capabilities
New permissions around holding codes, reducing the need for support intervention
Improvements to Z39.50 search profiles for OCLC customers
Improvements to import functionality.

The latest release of Library•Solution is available now. Customers who choose to upgrade may submit a ticket to begin scheduling the upgrade process. For a Library•Solution demo, please contact sales@TLCdelivers.com.

December 21, 2022 In CARL, Press Releases

Latest Advancements for TLC’s CARL•Solution Integrated Library System

The Library Corporation (TLC) develops with the modern library in mind. With the latest product release of the CARL•Solution integrated library system, TLC continues its web-based product developments for a more complete online experience. The release includes new functionality in CARL•X version 9.7.2, CARL•Connect Staff version 1.6.8, CARL•Connect Discovery version 3.6.6, and CARL•Solution APIs version 2.0.2.

CARL•Solution Acquisitions have long been an advanced module in the CARL•X windows-based client. The latest release brings more of those capabilities into the CARL•Connect web-based solution. Enhancements include invoice retrieval and display, plus related granular APIs. Library staff with permissions can access a grid of invoices with orders and special charges displayed.

Similar workflow enhancements continue throughout this CARL•Solution release. Library staff will enjoy sticky grid sizing options and new information returned from BID searches. Patrons will appreciate the updated Saved Lists experience. Now, borrowers can view item availability without an extra click, with defaults for their preferred branch in place. The product team considers accessibility and overall customer satisfaction in every release.

Additionally, CARL•Solution stands out with its granular permissions and administrative capabilities. New developments provide better control over branch hours without support intervention. More settings allow for varied privileges toward engaging with lost items and patrons with blocks.

TLC continues its enhancements around shelf management and inventory processes. Now, CARL•Solution integrates with RFID inventory wands, such as the CircTrak from Tech Logic. Items now include a “Last Seen Date” for better collection tracking and in-house circulation reports.

Over 81% of CARL•Solution customers have upgraded to the latest version since its release earlier this fall, with more in the queue. Many CARL•Solution customers previewed upcoming functionality at TLC’s annual user conference, TLCU 2022, and have expressed great excitement for features to come.

The latest release of CARL•Solution is available now. For a demo or for more information, please contact sales@TLCdelivers.com.

December 12, 2022 In LibrarySolution, Press Releases

Plymouth Public Library Launches TLC•Go! Mobile App

Plymouth Public Library (PPL) went live this fall with TLC•Go! — the latest mobile app solution provided by TLC. Residents of Plymouth, Indiana, are now able to access library resources via Android and iOS. TLC•Go! allows patrons to manage their library account, place holds, renew items, and access library resources — all at their fingertips. TLC•Go! has seamless compatibility with the library’s Library•Solution integrated library system.

Plymouth Public Library circulates over 170,000 items to readers of all ages. With TLC•Go!, the PPL community can access the library catalog, view library news, and explore resources from anywhere. Library staff can customize the app from the Content Management System.

This feature-rich mobile app provides quick and easy solutions to patron requests, and has enriched the library experience for the entire community.

“TLC•Go! makes library exploration easier than ever before,” said Annie Kirkland, Special Projects Manager at TLC. “Community members can access books, news, resources, and so much more, all in one convenient app.”

To see the library app in action, search Plymouth Public Library in Google Play or the App Store. For more information on procuring your own mobile library app, please contact TLC at sales@tlcdelivers.com.