PLS
SIRSI will provide PLS member librariesand their users with a fully integrated library system and easy online access to shared resources. Jennifer Morris, PLS executive director, said, "Unicorn and iBistro will enable PLS libraries to provide a whole new level of service to their users.

"The SIRSI system, which will be called OWWL (Ontario, Wayne, Wyoming, and Livingston) Access, will offer member libraries' patrons a wonderful new online resource enhanced with pictures of dust jackets and book reviews and summaries, as well as links to bestseller lists, subscription databases, and the Internet," Morris said.

"OWWL will provide full circulation, cataloging, and statistical report functions for those libraries choosing to be full participants. One of the key benefits for participating libraries is that all the automation server hardware will be located at the PLS central office and maintained by PLS staff. Sharing one easy-to-use e-library and centralized automation services throughout the four-county region will make the most cost-effective use of libraries' finances, staff, and technology," she said.

One of New York state's 23 public library systems, PLS was established in 1955 by the Regents of New York state to enhance the services of and promote cooperation among its member libraries. The member libraries have combined holdings of more than 300,000 items and a total annual circulation of more than 2 million. In addition, the PLS central office maintains a collection of outreach kits, videos, audio books, and large print materials for member libraries' use.
 

Northland Library Cooperative
Four libraries in the Northland Library Cooperative (NLC), a nonprofit resource-sharing network of 20 northern Michigan public libraries, have selected Unicorn and iBistro. According to Jeanne Ludlow, NLC system administrator, SIRSI will provide the Alpena County Library, the Charlevoix Public Library, the Cheboygan Area Public Library, and the Petoskey Public Library with easy access to local and combined resources for the cost of a single system.

Ludlow said: "We looked at several graphical interfaces for library users, but the iBistro e-library was the clincher that sold us on SIRSI. We are looking forward to patrons accessing iBistro from home to view their own library's holdings or those of the other member libraries, renew books, or place reserves at their convenience."

One of 14 library cooperatives funded by the state of Michigan, the NLC provides its members with a regional library catalog, reference services, Internet access and training, consulting, technology development, and grant-writing services. NLC's 20 member libraries serve approximately 200,000 residents of 10 northern Michigan counties.
 

SNC-Lavalin
According to Lynda Thivierge, SNC-Lavalin manager of library and records management services, the SIRSI system will enable the libraries to provide employees with easy online access to library holdings and other electronic resources. "Library staff were impressed with the powerful searching iBistro provides, and felt that it would be very easy for employees to use. We will be able to offer our catalog over our intranet to all SNC-Lavalin employees and incorporate access to a variety of electronic resources," she said.

SNC-Lavalin is Canada's largest group of engineering and construction companies, one of the leading group of engineering and construction firms in the world, and a key player in the ownership and management of major infrastructure projects. The SNC-Lavalin group of companies has offices across Canada and in 30 other countries, and is currently working in some 100 countries around the world.

Source: SIRSI Corp., Huntsville, AL, 256/704-7000; http://www.sirsi.com.