Evolving Expectations
TLC’s CARL•Solution automation system is made better through its years of significant use by some of the largest public libraries in the world. For over 45 years, TLC has achieved and maintained a reputation for beautiful software – software that looks fantastic, software that anticipates public library scenarios, and software that delivers a richer library experience. Experience has taught TLC to adapt to technology trends inside and outside the library industry, and that is showcased through CARL•Solution.
Libraries using CARL•Solution include Los Angeles Public Library in California and the Monroe County Library System Consortium in New York.
Designed to provide a deeper customer service connection through real time access to circulation, item maintenance, fill list and much more. Engage with your users, communities, and collections with this flexible and modern web-based client.
The industry leader in search technology. Viewing results as a ‘FRBRized’ group and search engine optimization enhance discovery of your library collections. Progressive features include a responsive design, personalized recommendations, and geolocation services. Also offering a fun, kid-centric version and an intuitive mobile interface.
Integrated into CARL•Connect, younger users will enjoy a playful, independent interface for checking in and checking out library materials, creating a lifelong love of libraries.
The Heart of the System
Designed and developed in partnership with some of the largest libraries in the United States and beyond, CARL•Solution uses established, thoughtfully created design and development principles. It showcases libraries’ individual strengths, while freeing staff from routine functions. This UNIX and SQL/Oracle-based solution uses Web and MS Windows client software, CARL•Connect and CARL•X, to offer an array of services and features.
CARL•Solution serves the needs of the largest libraries, but is scalable to handle the demands of consortia of any size, while preserving each library’s autonomy. These benefits are available whether you choose a cloud hosted solution, or prefer to maintain equipment on-site.
Open System Integration
CARL•Solution is a true open system. In fact, TLC collaborates with countless other leading technologies and library partners to create the ideal user experience. The robust database structure and CARL•Solution web service APIs offer a proven foundation to help your library deliver an unparalleled and ground-breaking experience to your community.
Leading-Edge, Flexible Modules
CARL•Solution provides public libraries with a significant suite of unique, dynamic and configurable features including:
- Real-time processing of activities logged
- Automated bibliographic and item level suppression
- Global update options with the staff client
- Highly configurable library workflow and patron services such as claims returned, floating collections, outreach, and sophisticated email, phone and text notice features
- Seamless interactions with third-party vendors through a wide range of technology protocols including SIP2
- Availability of demonstrated web API’s that expand options to integrate, extend, analyze, modify, and open data to meet the needs of today’s modern library
- Open and direct access to the powerful Oracle data base for Ad-hoc Reporting, in addition to a full suite of flexible canned reports covering all functional areas
Beautiful and Powerful OPAC Software
CARL•Connect Discovery constitutes the core of CARL•Solution’s configurable, multilingual OPAC environment. CARL•Connect Discovery uses a Lucene search engine to offer powerful search capabilities with easily accessed interfaces for diverse communities, and it can present any language, including those with non-Roman characters. It also provides outstanding integration and presentation of multimedia/multiformat metadata, including e-book, photo, audio, and video collections. Our open access to CARL•Solution’s APIs and modular approach to OPAC functionality maximize your ability to customize your interface and build a portal that blends with your Web site.
Patrons may pay fines and fees using a credit card, create personal profiles, save favorite searches, register for RSS feeds, and receive program event alerts via e-mail. Patrons may create personal lists to save titles to their “bookshelf” to place holds or keep items in a Netflix-like queue.
CARL•Solution Automation System
