This just in. . .
Welcome to The Library Corporation's monthly newsletter, e.EDITION, where you'll be the first to learn about the latest TLC news, events, and products. TLC was founded in 1974 to provide library automation for libraries and school districts of all sizes, including some of the busiest libraries in the world. The company has 200 staff members worldwide serving over 5,000 libraries. TLC's library automation, authority control, cataloging, and online selection and acquisition products include LS2, Library•Solution, Library•Solution for Schools, CARL•X, BiblioFile, and ITS•MARC - all backed by an unparalleled level of customer support and assistance.

TLC eNews

Pasco County Library System implements LS2 PAC from TLC
DENVER (May 20, 2009) - The Pasco County Library System is TLC's first CARL•X system to implement LS2 PAC in a live ILS environment. The initial implementation includes LS2 PAC's cutting-edge features, including user reviews, ratings, and tags; product links to Amazon.com; faceted search and navigation capabilities; and list sharing.

"We are excited to offer our patrons features they have wanted for a very long time. They will be able to create and maintain their own wish lists, manage their account information, check the New York Times Best Seller list, and place their own holds all from within a single catalog," said Linda Allen, director of the Pasco County Library System.

"Our catalog has a new look and feel," said Ruth Urbanski, Pasco's Technical Services Division manager. "I'm excited that patrons will be able to write their own reviews and publish them. When they place a hold on a popular title, they can now suspend the hold when they go on vacation without losing their place in the hold queue. And they can activate it themselves when they return. This will be big hit with our users!"

The LS2 PAC module is beautiful software that offers experiences similar to those found in the best Web 2.0 applications, such as RSS features from popular Internet and other Pasco library sites, and includes book jackets from the library system's collection. (You may view this yourself by logging on to http://ls2.pascolibraries.org.)

The LS2 PAC module is designed to work with CARL•X and TLC's other ILS, Library•Solution. CARL•X is a next-generation automation solution designed for (and by) medium- to large-size public libraries and library systems. It uses established, thoughtfully created design and development principles to showcase libraries' individual strengths while freeing staff from having to perform routine functions.

"Although TLC has deployed LS2 PAC with our Library•Solution product previously, we are very excited to work with Pasco County on our initial deployment of LS2 PAC with CARL•X," said Paul Leppert, vice president of TLC Denver. "We work closely with all of our libraries, and Pasco has been a great partner to work with on this project. It is obvious they are dedicated to providing their patrons the highest quality of service," Leppert said of the library system that has an annual circulation of nearly 2.1 million books and other items.

It takes a powerful automation system to handle the library needs of a bustling region like the Greater Tampa Bay Metropolitan Area, and the combination of CARL•X and the LS2 PAC will further enhance the Pasco County Library System's ability to serve its 406,898 residents. TLC works in partnership with the library system to ensure proper oversight of 226,000 book titles and 589,941 items, including an impressive collection of CDs and DVDs.

The Pasco County Library System has earned numerous honors since its establishment in 1980. In 2008, for example, it was presented with the Florida Library of the Year Award from the Florida Library Association, and Libraries Director Linda Allen was one of just 10 librarians nationally to receive the "I Love My Librarian" award from the Carnegie Corp. of New York and the New York Times.

For the Pasco County Library System, books are just the beginning. TLC is happy to be a part of its continuing journey.

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LS2 Circ replaces Web Circ
INWOOD, W.Va. (May 28, 2009) - The Library Corporation is pleased to announce the release of its newest Web-based circulation program, LS2 Circ, which replaces Web Circ. This is an upgrade for TLC customers utilizing the Web Circ product. LS2 Circ incorporates numerous new features, work-flow improvements, and bug fixes. To see a complete list of the changes and functionality in LS2 Circ, take a look at the "What's New" PDF on TLC's Knowledge Base, along with the latest Library•Solution 4.1 patch documentation that describes the most recent updates. You can also view training videos highlighting some of the new LS2 Circ features at TLC's Online Training Campus, http://otcampus.tlcdelivers.com.

TLC is confident that libraries will benefit from the LS2 Circ improvements, and encourages its Web Circ customers to schedule a free upgrade. Library•Solution for Schools customers who do not utilize Web Circ but are interested in obtaining the new LS2 Circ should contact their TLC sales representative or enter a support ticket at www.TLCdelivers.com/helpdesk.

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LS2 PAC gets even better
INWOOD, W.Va. (May 29, 2009) - The Library Corporation has made the LS2 PAC even more beautiful with the newly released version 1.4.

The free software enhancement includes an impressive 23 upgrades and/or new features, including an alternate Book River for libraries with older workstations. Other improvements include a display of library book titles that are related to news stories that users access via RSS feeds, the ability to sort search results based on borrowers' ratings, list sorted by call numbers, options that give library administrators much more control of reviews, tags, and blocked words from the LS2 PAC's Administration interface, and a Britannica URL link for libraries with Britannica subscriptions.

Free v1.4 upgrades for schools and public libraries utilizing the LS2 PAC began May 27 and will continue for several weeks. For a complete listing of what's new in v1.4, visit the TLC Knowledge Base at http://kbase.tlcdelivers.com:8080/kbase/wiki/ls2-pac-v1-4-release-notes. (If you cannot log on to the Knowledge Base, call TLC Support at 1.800.852.4911.)

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Lyrasis partners with TLC to offer expanded cataloging services to members
ATLANTA (May 14, 2009) - Lyrasis and The Library Corporation (TLC) are pleased to announce a new strategic partnership that will broaden the cooperative's cataloging services.

Currently offering an extensive range of services that include collection management and analysis tools, interlibrary loan software, and online databases, Lyrasis welcomes the addition of new cataloging systems. "We are so pleased to announce this partnership. Lyrasis members now have access to an expanded set of technical service solutions through TLC, a company that is highly regarded for its affordable and innovative products," said Cathy Wilt, Lyrasis president.

With over 30 years of library automation experience, TLC is poised to present a vast spectrum of systems that include online cataloging, authority control, and other products and services vital to the success of information organizations today. "We are delighted to assist Lyrasis in its efforts to provide viable, cost-effective cataloging alternatives for its members - alternatives that immediately create cost savings and increase productivity as well," said Gar Sydnor, TLC's senior vice president.

Lyrasis is a regional membership organization for libraries and information professionals. It facilitates members' success today and tomorrow by providing access to shared knowledge and expertise, innovative products and services, and customized solutions to serve communities effectively and, by working together, advance the profession. Lyrasis was the result of the recent merger of PALINET and SOLINET. It currently serves nearly a third of the United States, including 16 states east of the Mississippi, plus Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information, visit www.lyrasis.org.

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BCR to Offer TLC's BiblioFile and ITS.MARC Services
AURORA, Colo., (April 22, 2009) - BCR and The Library Corporation (TLC) are pleased to announce an agreement that allows BCR to offer TLC's ITS.MARC databases, BiblioFile software, and other products and services to BCR member libraries.

The partnership combines TLC's more than three decades of library automation experience and outstanding service background with BCR's commitment to help its members increase productivity by helping make sure they have the best, most appropriate tools at their fingertips.

The BiblioFile family of cataloging tools supports copy cataloging with a Unicode-compliant editor, advanced Z39.50 search and filtering, label printing, and utilities optimized for local catalogs and union catalogs. It is supported by a help file of MARC documentation - the Cataloger's Reference Shelf. The ITS.MARC database contains over 41 million records covering multiple languages. Libraries can customize access to fit their specific situation with add-ons such as authorities with LC Names and Subjects, Sears Subjects, and Medical Subject Headings, or collections of records with A/V, media, and Lexile and Accelerated Reader information.

"Combining high-quality records with sophisticated BiblioFile software at an affordable price is a winning strategy for any library in these times, and we are pleased that BCR will be offering our services to its member libraries," said Gar Sydnor, TLC's senior vice president.

"This partnership allows us to offer our members a new option for copy cataloging," added Brenda Bailey-Hainer, BCR's president and CEO. "Our member schools in particular will appreciate the records which have been enhanced specifically to suit their needs, and our public library members may find that it compliments other services they already use."

BCR (Bibliographical Center for Research) is the nation's oldest and most established multistate library cooperative, bringing libraries together for greater success by expanding their knowledge, reach, and power. It offers a broad range of solutions, and BCR's hands-on, personal attention to each member enables it to deliver effective and timely solutions that help libraries keep pace with new developments in technology and services. Since 1935, the BCR team has helped libraries learn new skills, reach patrons, increase productivity, and save money. BCR is a 501(c)3 nonprofit headquartered in Aurora, Colo. For more information, visit www.BCR.org or e-mail info@BCR.org.

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TLC offers new ways to stay informed
INWOOD, W.Va. (May 21, 2009) - The Library Corporation has joined the social-media revolution by establishing its presence on the world's most popular social-networking sites, Facebook and Twitter.

Additionally, TLC offers RSS feeds to keep its existing and potential customers, as well as library supporters and technology fans, informed of company developments and upcoming events.

Facebook and Twitter give TLC the opportunity to expand its online presence in a friendly, casual manner. Interactions on both sites are more immediate and personal, establishing a direct connection between TLC and the people involved in the selection of automation and cataloging solutions for libraries. Additionally, the social aspect allows TLC to recognize and congratulate its staff members and clientele who are celebrating milestones, such as employment anniversaries and new hires.

Each social-media site offers its own unique amenities. For example, TLC has used its Twitter account (http://twitter.com/TLCdelivers) to pass along breaking news stories of importance to libraries and librarians. The Facebook account (www.facebook.com/pages/The-Library-Corporation/47559997682) incorporates photos and video, as well as a discussion area for visitors to share their thoughts about TLC.

Those who don't have Facebook or Twitter accounts can still stay on top of TLC developments as they happen via RSS feeds. Visitors to the company's Web site, www.TLCdelivers.com, can click on the RSS logo in their Internet browser's address bar and subscribe to TLC's e-Edition or Calendar of Events. (If the logo is not visible in the address bar, subscribe by clicking on www.tlcdelivers.com/enews/rss.asp or www.tlcdelivers.com/tlc/tlcandyou/calendar-rss.asp.) There is no charge for the service, and updates will be automatically posted in the user's RSS reader of choice, including Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft Outlook.

TLC is pleased to use these advancing technologies to further its mission of being an open, accessible company eager to serve its current and prospective clientele.

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On deck
INWOOD, W.Va. (May 29, 2009) - The release of version 4.2 of TLC's Library•Solution integrated library system (ILS) is scheduled for early this month. Some highlights of the upgrade will include the ability to place holds in Cataloging, configure the content and layout of the Arrive Request and Borrower Payment slips, and mark user payments as Cash, Credit, Debit, or Check. Look for the official announcement and release notes to be posted on TLC's Knowledge Base in just a few days.

Also, be on the lookout for next month's e.EDITION for a big announcement regarding a new TLC product, LS2 Kids, which will be demonstrated and released at the ALA Annual Conference July 9-15 in Chicago.

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This month's special offer
If your library is looking for a cataloging solution, look no further than BiblioFile and ITS•MARC.

BiblioFile, TLC's powerful cataloging solution, supports the full range of scripts and languages, making inventive use of the Regional and Language options in Microsoft Windows to display Unicode characters without changing fonts - a real time-saver.

If you don't have a standard number for an item, BiblioFile allows you to launch a broad search, then type other terms to find the best record. Libraries can use BiblioFile's USNP-aware Z39.50 client to access TLC's 41-million MARC record resource, ITS.MARC.

For a limited time, TLC is offering a free 30-day trial of Bibilofile. To take advantage of this special opportunity and learn how to get the most out of this powerful application, visit www.tlcdelivers.com/save/default.asp.

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