For patrons, TLC believes that visiting the library should be as fun and entertaining as it is rewarding. With bookstore-like merchandising displays and multi-database searching, libraries are increasing the connection with their audience. By providing Netflix-like displays in the catalog, Google-like user experiences, and a touchscreen interface ready for any device, your patrons will appreciate the relevance your library catalog will have in their online world.

Worldwide tablet shipments are forecast to total 197 million units in 2013, a 69.8 percent increase from 2012 shipments of 116 million units. “Lower prices, form factor variety, cloud update, and consumers’ addiction to apps will be the key drivers in the tablet market,” said Ranjit Atwal, research director at Gartner Research. “Growth in the tablet segment will not be limited to mature markets alone. Users in emerging markets who are looking for a companion to their mobile phone will increasingly choose a tablet as their first computing device and not a PC.” – Gartner Research (April 2013)

For staff, TLC offers the opportunity to evolve from heavy duty, heavy maintenance PC workstations, Windows interfaces, and obscure icons to a sophisticated and streamlined  Web-based, touchscreen-enabled interface that works just as fluidly on traditional workstations as it does on tablets or other browser-enable devices.  The result is software that is easier to learn and packed with easier-to-see features that busy libraries demand. When you’re ready to cut the PC cord, your software is ready.

“Simply put, hosted software can save a company the headaches of ongoing maintenance, time and money in IT support, and equipment costs.” – Mini Peiris, SmartBiz.com

TLC’s hosted solution option eliminates the need to purchase servers or allocate additional IT staff to maintenance and product updates. Your library’s automation system and OPAC are stored securely, safely archived, and accessible whenever you need them for a simple annual charge. For libraries that no longer prefer to have server(s) on site, it’s an easy choice.

Even as technology changes, some things stay the same. TLC’s top priority has been, and always will be, customer service. This commitment to our libraries is reflected in Marshall Breeding’s annual Perceptions survey, which consistently reflects the positive sentiments of TLC customers. Additionally, contracts representing approximately 1,500 libraries in our customer base were renewed for multi-year agreements the first year we offered it in 2012.

Product development is ongoing at TLC, so the automation system you invest in today will continuously and seamlessly adapt to tomorrow’s technology.

“(TLC demonstrates) that the ILS can be evolved and extended to meet the needs of public libraries, even when challenged by new dynamics such as demand for e-book lending and social interactions.” – Marshall Breeding, Library Journal (April 2, 2013)

To find out how TLC can help your library serve its community, call 1.800.325.7759 and speak with one of our automation consultants.

Author information

Brian Brehm

TLC signed agreements with 196 customer library systems, including 14 new library systems and 182 multi-year agreements with current customers, raising its total customer base to 708 current contracts and over 4,400 installed libraries, facilities, or schools worldwide.

In July, TLC launched a new service, eBiblioFile, in partnership with OverDrive® and 3M™ for libraries using any ILS.  eBiblioFile customers receive full, custom MARC records for their e-resource purchases from these vendors within 48 hours, ready to load in their catalog.  eBiblioFile is now used every day by 194 library systems in three countries, and represents 173 new library customers for TLC in just six months since its launch.

In product news, TLC completed more than 60 migrations of current customers from its Windows interface to the new LS2 suite of browser-based interfaces. These libraries now have access to TLC’s ad-hoc reporting service, Lists & Actions, and are enjoying the benefits of a staff interface designed to work on tablet devices.  Dovetailing with the eBiblioFile service, TLC libraries can now see status and availability for their OverDrive records in their TLC LS2 PAC interface.

Additionally, in order to support its growth and continued software development, TLC opened a new office location in New York City’s “Silicon Alley” to focus primarily on User Experience and new product development for the entire TLC product line.

The Library Corporation is a family-owned company founded in 1974 to serve the automation and cataloging needs of libraries worldwide. For more information, visit TLCdelivers.com or contact Brian Brehm at bbrehm@TLCdelivers.com or 1.800.325.7759.

Author information

Brian Brehm