Mill Creek Library along with all branches in the Sno-Isle System is excited about the transition to new Polaris system. And what is Polaris? It is the new Integrated Library System (ILS) and replaces the previous, outdated 20 year old online catalog system, and brings the Sno-Isle Library System, including Mill Creek, into the 21st Century. The cool thing is it can do so much more than the older system such as track books & other items owned by the library system, cardholder accounts, checked-out materials, holds and other behind the scenes processes.

For library patrons, you will find what you’re looking for more quickly, have the ability to save searches to your social networking sites, or set searches to run automatically so whenever a new item is added to the catalog that fits your search you can be notified. Also:

• You can place holds.
• Temporarily freeze holds without losing your place in line.
• Set hold pickup location to default at your local [Mill Creek] library, or not.
• See the number of copies the library owns or has on order, as well as the current number of holds on that item.
• You will  be able to add your ratings and/or reviews and see what others library cardholders are saying.
• Easily choose your own user name and password for online account access. I did it in about 2 minutes.
• Receive hold and overdue notices via text message.
• Keep a history of items you have checked out or opt not to.
• You will be able to create other lists such as a “wish list” of books or other items you want to consider looking at, ordering in or checking out later.

While Polaris will be intuitive to use for those accustomed to using the Web in general, library staff are fully trained and available for on the spot help, and tip sheets will be available in the library and online. Tutorial videos and a Help section will be available on the website. In addition, hands-on classes Intro to Your New Online Library Catalog: Starring Polaris will be offered at the Mill Creek Library on the following Saturdays at 8:30 AM: April 23, 30 & May 21, 28.

If you can’t wait dive in right now at www.sno-isle.org/?ID=1202

There you will find all kinds of information about the library and the Sno-Isle Library System. If you are a current card holder click on My Accounts to get started. If you don’t have a library card you can go to your local library and apply for one and most likely receive it the same day. As of this writing, the online applications for cards is temporarily inaccessible while they are finishing the transition to Polaris, but is expected to be restored ASAP. Do tell.