November 20, 2009
Top-Ranking Public Library Embraces SkyRiver
Middle Country Public Library, Centereach NY, is the first of SkyRiver’s public library development partners to implement SkyRiver cataloging services. Recently ranked top in its category in the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service 2009, Middle Country is the first public library to switch to SkyRiver for its cataloging needs.
As a SkyRiver development partner, Middle Country has been exporting and contributing bibliographic data since early September. Client software installation and one-on-one training of over 15 staff members was completed within a single day period. Joyce Bogin, Middle Country’s Head of Computer and Technical Services, reports, “All through our testing phase, the level of enthusiasm among the staff was very high because SkyRiver is so intuitive and fast. SkyRiver also has opened opportunities to streamline our workflows.”
In addition, Middle Country will realize cost savings with SkyRiver. Sandra Feinberg, Middle Country’s Library Director, says, “What drew us to SkyRiver was the prospect of saving money. However, there’s more — the efficiency of no longer needing to be concerned with usage levels as well as SkyRiver’s demonstrated ability to ‘listen to the customer’ and enhance its services accordingly.”
SkyRiver services include an easy-to-use cataloging client for searching, editing, and adding records to the library’s local catalog. Features include a powerful search engine with facets and tags, automatic record request notification, one-click downloading of bibliographic and authority file records, and shelf-ready support. SkyRiver is right for all types of libraries and integrates with any local library system. SkyRiver’s services are now fully operational in selected libraries with a market-wide launch planned for January, 2010.
About Middle Country Public Library
Middle Country Public Library (www.mcpl.lib.ny.us) has established itself as a dynamic center for continuous learning that provides information, resources, and programs to reflect a wide range of views and meet the needs of a diverse community. The annual per capita number of items borrowed is over 22 and the library’s approximately 900 programs have a per capita participation rate of 1.0, contributing to the Library’s top ranking as a Star Library in the LJ Index of Public Library Service, sponsored by Baker & Taylor’s Bibliostat.
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