Welcome!

Thanks for checking out the October 2009 e.Edition, The Library Corporation's monthly newsletter. Actually, this will be the last time we can say "monthly." TLC's e.Edition will now be sent out every other month, which means your next issue will arrive during the holiday season in December. Since we won't see you again for two months, we've packed extra content into this e.Edition, including a wrap-up of LiSA/CUGM 2009, an update on TLC's latest product release, and a tribute to a dearly departed friend.

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LiSA/CUGM 2009: A resounding success

For four days beginning Sept. 28, users of TLC's Library•Solution and CARL products gathered under one roof at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md. It was the first time the users' conferences for both integrated library systems had been combined into a single event and, according to feedback from participants, the event was highly beneficial for everyone involved.

The Library•Solution and CARL Users' Annual Conference began on the evening of Sept. 28 with an informal Attendee and Vendor Reception held next to a musical, illuminated water fountain in the atrium of the Gaylord National. It offered participants their first experience with the hotel, a massive enclosed facility along the banks of the Potomac River.

LiSA/CUGM 2009 began in earnest the following morning in a large but crowded conference room in the National Harbor Convention Center. TLC Co-Founder, President/CEO, and Chairman of the Board Annette Harwood Murphy greeted the participants before they were treated to a special video that charted the growth of TLC since its establishment in 1974. Guest speaker Dr. Art Murray offered a lively interactive presentation entitled "The Role of Libraries in the New Knowledge Economy." Murray challenged the librarians to find new ways for their libraries to stay relevant as technology evolves, and many of those in the audience later said it was their favorite presentation of the conference. TLC Chief Technology Officer Joshua "Jabe" Bloom offered an overview on the evolution and promise of real-time search capabilities, then representatives from TLC sister company Tech Logic explained the benefits of RFID technologies for libraries. Lunch was served in the Gaylord National's Moon Bay Restaurant, which served as the conference's primary dining spot for three days. The afternoon featured updates on LS2 PAC and TLC's newest product, LS2 Kids, before U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Outreach Coordinator Michael Pellegrino offered a special presentation on finding and applying for government grants through Grants.gov. The day concluded with a relaxing Attendee and Vendor Reception in the Gaylord's opulent Cherry Blossom Ballroom.

September 30 opened with reassuring words from Senior Vice President Gar Sydnor, who told the attendees that TLC's success and growth continue despite the nation's troubled economy. The conference then split into separate sessions as Library•Solution and CARL users were informed of developers' plans to refine TLC's automation products in the coming months. The day's other LiSA sessions included presentations on Video Streaming, Cataloging, Support Tips and Tricks, Circulation, and LS2 Circ, while CARL users were treated to sessions on Product Updates and Strategies, Podcasts and Multimedia, Libraries Going Green, The Paperless Summer Reading Club, RFID Implementation in the Real World, and The Power of Ad-Hoc Reporting. The CARL and Library•Solution users reunited twice on Sept. 30 - first for a lunchtime speech by author and former CBS News correspondent David Henderson, who spoke on "Libraries and Building Awareness in the Digital Era," then for an evening water taxi ride across the Potomac to Alexandria, Va., a fun and relaxing excursion that offered participants a clear view of the Washington, D.C., skyline.

The final day of LiSA/CUGM 2009 featured more split sessions, with CARL users invited to presentations on CARL•X Migrations, LS2 PAC, and a pair of Visioning Sessions before attending a CUGM Wrap-Up Session. The CARL Users Group concluded their portion of the conference with an afternoon Senior Management Summit. Meanwhile, Library•Solution users were treated to sessions on the Library•Solution Preferences utility, Content Contribution, Reports Manager, Google Analytics, Upgrades, Online Selection and Acquisitions, Cataloging, Focus Groups, TLC Training Options, and Circulation. The day's only joint session was a late-morning Meet the Author presentation, which featured Alexandria-based author Leslie Pietrzyk discussing the writing process. Librarians lined up after the presentation to meet Pietrzyk and buy autographed copies of her two novels, "A Year and a Day" and "Pears on a Willow Tree."

One of the most popular features of LiSA/CUGM 2009 wasn't on any of the program schedules. Members of TLC's Support Department set up a special room in the National Harbor Convention Center to address issues, answer questions, and offer special training sessions for Library•Solution and CARL users. The room was constantly buzzing with activity, and TLC representatives are already considering ways to expand the support and training offerings at next year's conference.

All in all, LiSA/CUGM 2009 was a productive gathering in a stunning facility. If you couldn't attend, you can still benefit from the information presented at the conference by downloading PDFs from the various sessions and presentations via the Library•Solution and CARL customer Web sites, both of which can be accessed at www.TLCdelivers.com/tlc/login.asp.

LiSA/CUGM 2009: Survey says...

At the conclusion of LiSA/CUGM 2009, conference attendees were asked to complete a survey to let TLC know what they thought of the gathering at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center near Washington, D.C. While it's impossible to please every person every time, the overall tone of the responses was extremely positive. Here are some sample comments:

• "Everyone seems to have worked hard to pull everything together."
• "I learned so many useful shortcuts and insights that will help."
• "Very good. Gets better each year."
• "I especially enjoyed the opportunity to sign up for small sessions and tech support time - great enhancement!"
• "CARL and Library•Solution customers enjoyed meeting as the larger TLC group and would welcome more opportunities for sharing sessions at next year's event."
• "Very good contact time with staff and customers."
• "The physical location was outstanding. Everything was well organized."
• "This was my first time attending LiSA but I have attended other conferences like PLA and ALA in the past. Your conference was much more practical..."
• "I was very impressed."
• "I thought the addition of individual support appointments and the training opportunities were a wonderful addition to the conference!"
• "Education is what we are doing and it's great that you kept that as a theme."
• "Very good and informative. Definitely glad that I came."
• "Worth the time and travel to attend."
• "Best ever."

Of course, there's always room for improvement:

• "There was some very good information that I really needed to find, but it was hard to figure out on the face of it what was in each presentation and whether it was geared toward useful procedures, tips, tricks, etc."
• "For heaven's sake, improve the screenshot clarity when presenting features."
• "I would have liked chances for more training."
• "I would have liked more access to the (Washington, D.C.) area - bus service to and around town, etc."
• "Food was too expensive."
• "I think you need either longer sessions for Circ, or a Part 1 and Part 2, because we never get all our questions asked."
• "... would have been more useful with more 'live' training than being talked to with PowerPoints read."
• "Please ask speakers to repeat the (audience) questions."
• "I found it difficult to make all of the scheduled presentations and attend the training sessions that I wanted to; I almost needed an extra day."

Some of the conference presenters earned special recognition:

• "Mr. (Gar) Sydnor's presentation regarding product development (was my favorite)."
• "David Henderson ... made me wonder how we could Twitter overdues and link book covers to new book review blogs, and create our own Library Café."
• "Opening speaker Art Murray was very motivating and a good start for the conference."
• "I was thrilled that you had tech support folks that we could talk to about tickets."
• "I really enjoyed (Product Owner Cassie Czaja's) presentation on LS2 Circ."
• "I think (LS2 Kids Product Owner) Dianne Coan has a great speaking manner and enjoy her presentations and comments from the floor. Another favorite was (TLC Vice President and Chief Operating Officer) Simon (Marcus) - he covered a lot of material and gave us a lot of information that was easy to understand ... (Library•Solution Product Owner Sam Brenizer's) live demos were very helpful."

Now the big question is, "Where will LiSA/CUGM 2010 be held?" That hasn't been decided, but attendees at this year's conference offered several suggestions:

• Nashville, Tenn.
• Orlando, Fla.
• Denver, Colo.
• San Diego, Calif.
• Indianapolis, Ind.
• Cincinnati, Ohio
• Chicago, Ill.
• Seattle, Wash.
• San Antonio, Texas
• San Francisco, Calif.
• New York, N.Y.
• Minneapolis, Minn.
• Washington, D.C.

Wherever it's held, you can be certain that TLC will organize a fun and beneficial LiSA/CUGM 2010. Thanks to all those who shared their opinions, and we look forward to seeing you at next year's conference!

(Note to CUGM Attendees: There is still time to offer your feedback! Please e-mail or fax your completed forms or comments to Beth Lazarczyk, Customer Site Manager, TLC Denver, at blazarczyk@tlcdelivers.com or 303.758.0606.)

Libraries line up for LS2 Kids

After a successful beta testing, LS2 Kids has been officially released. First unveiled in July at the ALA conference in Chicago, TLC's newest product has been subjected to rigorous field testing in five library systems - Grayslake Area Public Library in Illinois, Corvallis-Benton County Public Library in Oregon, the North Iowa Libraries Collaborating consortium, The Lovett School Libraries in Georgia, and the Socorro Independent School District in Texas. LS2 Kids is now being offered as a premium enhancement to TLC's Library•Solution and Library•Solution for Schools integrated library systems.

LS2 Kids is the children's version of TLC's successful LS2 PAC - the same technology with new features oriented to younger library users. It's powerful software with an intuitive, easy-to-use interface that helps children find exactly what they're looking for within a library's collection.

LS2 Kids was developed with input from a special focus group of librarians as well as children ages 5 to 11, because young people possess a great deal of technical knowledge and unique ways of looking for materials. For instance, the home screen of the LS2 Kids interface has a scrollable display of popular book series like "Harry Potter," "Dr. Seuss," "Junie B. Jones," and "The Magic School Bus." A single click calls up every title in a selected series, beginning with the most recent publication.

Scout, the curious young pup who greets users of LS2 Kids, guides children as they search for items of interest in their school or public library. Kids can click on an icon in the category wheel that encircles Scout and select from dozens of subject areas - math and reading, of course, but also fun topics like space, baseball, gymnastics, cats, hippos, dinosaurs, scary stories, and many more. They can also type a book name or subject in the search box. If a word is typed incorrectly, no problem - LS2 Kids will offer spelling suggestions and corrections.

When children search for subjects, names, or book titles, they are treated to much more than a static list of results. LS2 Kids takes them to an interactive screen that displays a cover flow of corresponding book jackets that fill the screen and indicate whether a title is available. Clicking on any book jacket spins that title around to reveal detailed information about the publication.

LS2 Kids is simple, intuitive, and playful. Children of all ages can use this powerful, engaging software with little or no assistance, and it encourages them to explore the treasures found within their library.

Dozens of libraries are already lining up for LS2 Kids. Installations are scheduled or pending at Library•Solution and Library•Solution for Schools sites in Oklahoma, Tennessee, New Mexico, Connecticut, Florida, Michigan, Kentucky, and more.

If your library caters to young borrowers, check out the advantages offered by LS2 Kids by contacting TLC at 1.800.325.7759 or 304.229.0100, or visiting www.TLCdelivers.com.

Los Angeles Public Library implements CARL•X

There's big library news in the City of Angels: On Oct. 13, the Los Angeles Public Library migrated its CARL•Solution integrated library system (ILS) to the next-generation CARL•X system. Later this year, the central library and its 71 locations (soon to be 72) will bolster its CARL•X upgrade with LS2 PAC, a beautiful software add-on featuring the Book River - an eye-catching representation of the library system's titles - as well as RSS news feeds that highlight current events and related library books, federated searching of in-house and online content, integrated searching of subscription databases, and many other online services valued by borrowers and staff members alike.

All of these products are provided by The Library Corporation, which is pleased to continue its long-standing relationship with the Los Angeles Public Library. TLC will assist the LAPL as it manages an average annual circulation of 16.1 million for the largest, most diverse residential population in the United States. Boasting 1,825,500 titles and 6,220,000 items, the library system serves nearly 1.4 million cardholders through its six dozen buildings, state-of-the-art technologies, and innovative programs for all ages. In 2006, a record 14 million visits were made to Los Angeles library facilities, and the system's Web site (www.lapl.org ) handled 110 million logons from borrowers who were able to access the LAPL catalog, search its databases, view digitized special collections, place holds on library materials, and download books, movies, and music.

Los Angeles Public Library will be the first CARL•X client to use TLC's eCommerce service for customer payments, and it will continue utilizing TLC's Online Selection Assistant product to distribute development activities among its 1,100 staff members. Additionally, the library system will still be providing online services to borrowers and sharing its impressive digitized photography collection courtesy of TLC's CARLweb interface and related KCweb product.

CARL•X is an ILS designed for (and by) medium to large public libraries and library systems. CARL•X uses established, thoughtfully created design and development principles to showcase libraries' individual strengths while freeing staff from having to perform routine functions. Other CARL•Solution libraries scheduled for CARL•X migrations include Contra Costa County Library in Pleasant Hill, Calif. (winter 2010), Broward County Library in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (spring 2010), and Wellington City Libraries in Wellington, New Zealand (fall 2010).

For more information on CARL•X and its enhancement products, visit www.TLCdelivers.com, e-mail Lorrie Ann Butler at lbutler@tlcdelivers.com, or call 1.800.325.7759.

Product updates released

TLC developers recently issued important updates to Library•Solution, LS2 PAC, CARL•X, and CARLwebX.

Patch 5 for version 4.2 of Library•Solution provides numerous improvements in the Circulation client. Users can now search for a borrower by birth date, and administrators can limit a user's ability to adjust the sequence of items in the Request Queue list. Additionally, a Title search dialog now displays in the upper-left corner of the pop-up window, allowing users to quickly display a different title in the View/Edit Item Information modal window. Also, when the View Titles and Items tab is open, the Commands menu now includes a Place Request option. Patch 5 corrects a Circulation issue where the Requests Queue position did not update in Circ Borrower Information and PAC Account Information. The complete Patch 5 documentation is available on TLC's Knowledge Base (http://kb.tlcdelivers.com/kbase). Library•Solution 4.2 users are encouraged to contact the Support Department or enter a ticket at www.TLCdelivers.com/helpdesk to schedule an installation.

Version 1.7 of LS2 PAC has been released and includes several new product features. The 245 $h field has been indexed to now display on the results list and the Description tab, and the total number of check outs (including renewals) and pending requests now displays on the Description and Copies tab. Another new attribute is the implementation of E-commerce, which allows borrowers to pay fines online via LS2 PAC. E-commerce can be turned on or off per configuration, and libraries may charge borrowers a convenience fee if desired. Version 1.7 includes additional upgrades, all of which are detailed in documentation on TLC's Knowledge Base (http://kb.tlcdelivers.com/kbase). Installations of LS2 PAC version 1.7 began Oct. 6 and are still under way.

CARL•X has been upgraded to version 7.3.3 and features an assortment of improvements to enhance the functionality of Authority Control, Companion Searcher, Reports, ITSi, Patron Information/Charge/Renew, SIP2, Utilities, Serials, and more. For a full rundown of version 7.3.3 changes, refer to the documentation posted under Release Notes on the CARL Products customer Web site at www.tlcdelivers.com/carl/default.asp. To arrange installation of the CARL•X version 7.3.3 improvements, contact your TLC representative.

Version 7.2.3 of CARLwebX includes several exciting new features. An Advanced Search function allows users to search for an author's name or a keyword and limit results by date, language, media, and branch. A new Available Copies option shows the library branches that have a sought-after title in stock. There is now a bibliographic format editor called Bibform that allows libraries to customize how their full bibliographic records display in both the Staff Client and CARLwebX. A customizable page footer has been added to the bottom of every CARLwebX page, making it possible for libraries to add their own text and Internet links. And the enabling of Google Analytics allows libraries to gather statistics on their customers' use of CARLwebX. These are just a few of the enhancements included in version 7.2.3. For a complete list, refer to the documentation posted under Release Notes on the CARL Products customer Web site at www.tlcdelivers.com/carl/default.asp. To arrange installation of CARLwebX version 7.2.3, contact your TLC representative.

LS2 developers launch blog

Customers using any of TLC's LS2 products - LS2 PAC, LS2 Kids, or LS2 Circ - are invited to check out a new blog created and maintained by the LS2 developers. The just-launched "LS2 for Your Library" blog will offer tips and tricks, product news, and instructional videos in a format more helpful and interactive than traditional e-mail updates.

In addition to being a centralized site for the developers to post information, LS2 users are also invited to use the blog to share their thoughts, offer insights, and ask questions of the development team.

LS2 PAC Product Owner Matt Moran said the "LS2 for Your Library" blog will give TLC a new avenue for dialog with its customers while enhancing users' ability to offer feedback on LS2 products. Customers can check out the new blog by establishing an account and logging on at http://LS2.library.net.

Doug Storer: June 1948 - September 2009

TLC said goodbye to a dear friend and valued colleague last month when Doug Storer lost his two-year battle with cancer.

Doug was a member of the TLC family for almost 20 years. During that time, his work on Online Selection & Acquisitions, cataloging, AuthorityWorks, and BiblioFile helped TLC evolve into the successful company that it is today. He created and nurtured personal and professional relationships with many of our customers that will endure for years to come.

Doug's legacy will be more than his many accomplishments at TLC. It also will be his cheerful nature, his passion for his work, and the joy he shared with all of his coworkers and colleagues. There was a sparkle in his eyes when he talked about new ideas and thoughts for improving our products and services for our customers. We were very fortunate to have known him professionally and personally.

Doug was an inspiration. He never lost hope or focus, and his commitment to TLC and its customers never waned even as his health deteriorated. When he realized the progression of his cancer couldn't be stopped, Doug decided to work primarily from home until he could take early retirement in June 2010. He told the TLC staff about his plan in an Aug. 24 e-mail:

"Anyone who has seen me huffing and puffing around the office recently will understand why this course makes sense for me at this time. My doctors have been effective at keeping the cancer I was diagnosed with two years ago under control, but with each passing year, I have noticed a deterioration in my overall strength and stamina. I would now like to preserve a few months of quality time for my family and for personal reflection. ... In the coming weeks and months, you won't see much of me in the office. TLC management has graciously agreed that I can work at home as much as needed to get the mid-day rest breaks I seem to need lately. I will certainly follow my e-mail and IM to keep in touch, and will be accessible by phone. I will be in the office as much as I can, but I will also be limited by my stamina and need to focus on creating knowledge-transfer documentation for my successor."

Doug's desire to work despite his failing health surprised no one. He was as committed to his profession as he was to his family and friends. He wrote in the e-mail that he expected to live up to 14 more months, which would have provided him enough time to "maximize the effect of my remaining life on my family, friends, and colleagues, while preserving a little time for myself for reflection and the inevitable restructuring of personal goals that such reflection is likely to bring."

Instead of 14 months, Doug got one.

His brave struggle ended around 10:30 a.m. Sept. 22 at his home in Winchester, Va. Doug's dedicated and loving family - wife Loretta, son Bryan, sister Denise, and brother Keith - were at his side.

Doug's death was expected, but the rapidity of it was not. The shock was immense; the grief palpable. People who knew Doug needed an outlet for their emotions, so they started writing. Coworkers, customers, friends - it seemed as if everyone had something to say. To read everything that was written would take many hours. But in memory of our friend Doug Storer, we would like to share excerpts from some of these tributes to give you a better idea of the special man we lost.