LibrarySolution

June 1, 2023 In LibrarySolution, Press Releases

Unique Integrates MessageBee with First TLC Library•Solution Client Library

Unique Management Services announced the live launch of MessageBee for Ardmore Public Library, a small rural public library utilizing the Library•Solution ILS from TLC. The partnership will see Unique send automated phone notifications on behalf of the southern Oklahoma library.

The integration with the TLC product was the culmination of a joint effort between Unique and TLC to make the ultimate library communication tool available to all libraries, large and small. MessageBee will support SMS and voice notifications with the Library•Solution ILS.

“Small and rural libraries can sometimes be overlooked when it comes to technology in our industry,” said Unique Library President Rob Klaus. “We took on the challenge of integrating our MessageBee technology for TLC’s Library•Solution, because we are committed to making our industry-leading communication tools available to every library, no matter their size or ILS.”

MessageBee is a powerful and customizable patron communication tool that offers voice and text-message (SMS) features to Library•Solution customers, making it an essential asset for libraries looking to enhance their patron notice and communication strategies. MessageBee can now be seamlessly integrated with the majority of ILSes, with Library•Solution being only the most recent.

About MessageBee
MessageBee has three different ways to communicate with your patron base. SMS text alerts get in front of more patrons with simple and understandable messaging. Email takes boring and confusing default system-generated email notifications and turns it into a patron engagement tool with a simple drag-and-drop design. Phone notifications cater to patrons that prefer the personal touch of a recorded or voice-to-text phone messages.

About Unique Management Services
Unique Management is a Jeffersonville, Indiana library service company, that offers a full suite of library communication options for patrons including the Gentle Nudge Material Recovery process, MessageBee patron engagement platform, and Virtual Patron Service. With nearly 30 years of experience in the industry and 1,600 client libraries, Unique strives to build long-lasting relationships with our partners to better serve their patrons.

April 12, 2023 In CARL, LibrarySolution, Press Releases

“Libraries are Essential,” says TLC at Texas Library Association Booth #1601

The Library Corporation (TLC) invites attendees of the Texas Library Association (TLA) annual user conference who believe Libraries are Essential to visit TLC at Booth #1601. TLC will be exhibiting April 19-21, 2023, at the conference in Austin, Texas, and encourages attendees to see how TLC supports library initiatives.

TLC has been providing library solutions to public libraries and school districts for nearly 50 years. A sampling of these solutions will be showcased at the conference for catalogers, system administrators, and library staff who would benefit from unparalleled support. T-shirts with the “Libraries are Essential” phrase will also be given away at the booth while supplies last.

Highlights:

ITS•MARC — Over 81 million high-quality bibliographic and authority records from 20+ databases, available via web or Z39.50
TLC•Go! — A world-leading and customizable library app that also lets borrowers checkout from their own device
Library•Solution — 100% web-based software designed for the greatest library efficiency and improved daily workflows
Library•Solution for Schools — K-12 library management with age-appropriate user experiences for all students
CARL•Solution — Purpose-built software for complex public libraries and consortia

Booth Schedule

Wed, April 19, 2023 • 3:45p – 6:00p CT
Thu, April 20, 2023 • 10:00a – 5:00p CT
Fri, April 21, 2023 • 8:00a – 4:00p CT

To schedule a time to meet with the TLC team, please contact sales@tlcdelivers.com or stop by Booth #1601.

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.

April 6, 2023 In LibrarySolution, Press Releases

Ardmore Public Library (OK) Saves Time with Its New ILS from TLC

Ardmore Public Library is now using the Library•Solution integrated library system from The Library Corporation (TLC). TLC welcomed Ardmore to its family of libraries last fall, completing the migration services for the single-site library from its previous Polaris system. The library was able to use its Choice Partners membership to select TLC’s entirely web-based platform.

As a Choice Partners member, Ardmore Public Library (APL) could choose a new vendor which had been awarded a Choice Partners member contract through best value selection: TLC. This shortened the time needed to evaluate multiple vendors, allowing the library to bring value to its community faster.

Located in Oklahoma, approximately 100 miles due south of Oklahoma City, Ardmore Public Library serves a population of about 25,000 residents. On average, the library circulates 201,000 items per year. TLC will host the library’s database of 75,000 titles with TLC•Cloud Services, underpinned by Oracle Cloud Infrastructure.

With limited staffing numbers and its IT services performed through the city, the library appreciates TLC’s 100% web-based software. “We’re a small team,” said Lynnette Haggerty, Technical Services Librarian at Ardmore Public Library. “Now, we can manage it all without intervention from IT.” Library•Solution can be accessed from any laptop or tablet, eliminating the need for City IT to be on-site for ILS-related inquiries — saving both time and money.

Library•Solution’s web-based services will also open up more outreach opportunities in the Ardmore community, such as on-site story hours around the city and library card sign-up events. Cardholders will also benefit from the notifications offered through Library•Solution, including text message notifications, which were unavailable in the library’s previous system. “Importance of the telephone notifications can’t be understated,” said Daniel Gibbs, Director at Ardmore Public Library. “Patrons love that.”

Other bright spots in the system include the new public catalog and dedicated kids catalog, as well as family card linking. “We love the built-in Accelerated Reader,” said Haggerty. “Before, it was time-consuming to find age-appropriate material for our younger patrons. We had to write it on the inside cover of the books.” Now, patrons and staff can find reading program information from within the online catalogs. TLC’s enhanced PAC and streamlined cataloging services assist in making items easier and faster to discover.

APL is also eager to utilize Library•Solution mobility in the stacks by performing a live inventory. In their previous system, staff at the library had to create a list, print it, and review the list at the shelves; found items would need to be taken back to a service desk to resolve any issues. With Library•Solution, staff at the library can resolve issues directly in the stacks, running a live inventory from a tablet or laptop. “It takes one person one day — or two days with a part-time employee,” said Haggerty.

TLC completed the migration swiftly. “It couldn’t have gone much better,” praised Gibbs. Additional compliments went to each member of the TLC team: the project manager was able to talk through every item with the library and kept the project on a smooth timeline; the implementation specialist was always available and very kind; the software trainer was solid; customer support was responsive. Haggerty said of both general and specific inquiries, “It feels like I can shoot off a question and get a quick, personable response.”

“We are pleased to provide this level of service to Ardmore Public Library and to all of our customers,” welcomed Annette Murphy, CEO of The Library Corporation. “There’s never a bad word from a new library moving to TLC.”

View the library’s enriched and cloud-hosted catalog at ardmore.tlcdelivers.com. For more information on streamlined library services with Library•Solution or streamlined purchasing options with Choice Partners, contact sales@tlcdelivers.com.

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.

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, 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.

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 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 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.