Predating the Internet age, the idea of sharing resources and connecting libraries through a technological system two decades ago was a radical idea.
Now libraries want more.
Despite budget cuts, Denver Public Library is opening new branches and pushing new technologies to make them more user-friendly.
“In our experience, technology has expanded library use,” said Diane Lapierre, a spokeswoman for Denver Public Library.
DPL is switching from the CARL electronic cataloging system to technology that does more than just keep track of books and journals.
Slick new system
The new system, Polaris, also provides data about how each item is used, including determining which books are most popular at each branch. Librarians now gather that information by hand tabulating data collected from multiple spreadsheets.
The additional data will allow library staff to better expand and manage collections according to what patrons like.
The Polaris system also allows patrons to receive text messages when an item they request is ready to be picked up.
“We’re changing all the backroom technology that does everything from holding reservations to library-card records,” Lapierre said. “It’ll be much more efficient.”
The $438,000 system will eventually save the library some money in annual maintenance costs.
Interlibrary lending won’t be available until February 2011, when the Polaris system installation is done.
When CARL was first launched as a library system for sale in 1988, creator Ward Shaw, then a librarian at the University of Denver, said the simple idea was necessary.
“The whole idea was to create a system where you could share resources and search major collections of other libraries,” Shaw said.
The CARL system, now owned by The Library Corporation, has had some upgrades.
According to Paul Leppert, the managing director for The Library Corporation CARL in Denver, no other Colorado libraries still use CARL, but the Los Angeles Public Library and Chicago Public Library use some of the upgraded versions.
The Polaris system is now being used by about 1,000 libraries nationwide.
“I’m not surprised at all,” Shaw said. “This is a rapidly changing industry. No one is running 20-year-old programs — nor should they be.”
Parts of the new system have been phased in at branches being renovated with funds from Better Denver Bonds.
Other upgrades
Besides renovating existing buildings, DPL also is building three new branches. The first will open in March in Green Valley Ranch.
A new library will open in Stapleton in 2012 and another is expected in 2013 at West Colfax Avenue and Irving Street.
DPL estimates saving $25,000 annually by using Polaris, but each of the new libraries will require an additional $1 million in operating costs once they open.
“Our budget has traditionally gone up and down throughout the years,” Lapierre said. “Until we see a significant turnaround in the revenue coming to the city, we will continue to be significantly underfunded.”
For 2011, DPL’s budget was slashed by 4.5 percent, forcing cuts in library hours. But Lapierre said four branches were able to maintain 48-hour weeks.
“While things are not good, people in our City Council do value our library and their service to our community,” Lapierre said.
She said library officials still expect things to get better.
“I can see a time when libraries look completely different,” Lapierre said. “But as long as there’s a need for an informed community, there will be a role for libraries.”
Yesenia Robles: 303-954-1372 or yrobles@denverpost.com
