SirsiDynix

Getting started with library technology

For those of you who are new to the industry, interested in establishing a library for your organization, or just don't know where to start, we've created an easy reference spot for you here. Library technology, as provided by SirsiDynix, is divided into three main categories: integrated library systems, patron discovery tools and productivity enhancements.

An integrated library system (ILS) is essentially the mainframe software, or solution, through which your library is run. Records of books, multimedia materials and the like are tracked through an ILS to determine usage, availability, requests and much, much more. SirsiDynix Symphony is the most versatile and customizable ILS in the industry, and is the best place to start. From basic library functionality to completely customizable tools based on your library ambitions – if you can dream it, Symphony can make it happen.

After Symphony comes what we call patron discovery tools. Think of patron discovery as the ultimate search portal, in which your library users can find not only library materials of all types and formats, but related information on upcoming events, news stories, user-generated reviews and the like, based on their unique search terms. eLibrary is the powerful patron discovery platform included in SirsiDynix Symphony. If you want to take patron discovery to a more extreme plane, we’d highly recommend Enterprise for the next level of dynamic, faceted search. You won’t be disappointed.

Finally, the management and productivity enhancements. Symphony comes with numerous built-in features for reporting, productivity and custom management tasks, but we’ve created a good handful of others to meet the specific needs of your library. From highly advanced metrics and reporting tools to prove your library’s return-on-investment, to handheld mobile technology for taking circulation tracking outside the library, and more.

We’re happy to help you find the perfect combination – a create-your-own-library solution, if you will – and are available to answer questions for you at any point along the way.