School Libraries & Selection of a new ILS

The COMPASS User's group meeting scheduled for Wednesday, December 1 is going to be replaced with an all-day (9:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M) meeting and presentation with Marshall Breeding, a nationally known expert on library technology issues. The morning will be devoted to a presentation about the current state of library technology. The afternoon will be devoted to a discussion about the priorities for the next "integrated library system" (ILS) that will eventually replace the current Horizon system at Arrowhead Library System.

Since there are many school libraries using the current Horizon system, it is important that the school librarians using it hear the Marshall Breeding presentation and provide input into the selection process for the next generation automated system.

No school libraries have yet signed up for the presentation. It is important to let your voices be heard.

If what is holding you back from registering is the inability to pay for a sub so you can attend, please don't let that be a hindrance. North Country Library Cooperative has scholarship funds available that you can apply for to allow payment for a sub so you can attend this very important meeting.

A soup and sandwich lunch will be available for seven dollars. You need to register with Jim Weikum (jweikum@arrowhead.lib.mn.us) if you plan to attend and indicate whether you are interested in the catered lunch.

Alternatively, if there is some other reason keeping you from attending, please let us know what that reason might be.

You may call the NCLC office (1-800-950-4401 or 741-1907) to obtain the scholarship form which needs to be filled out and submitted to North Country Library Cooperative if you wish to obtain reimbursement for a substitute to allow you to attend the December 1 meeting.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call. There needs to be a school voice in the selection process.