Rowlett Library launches Apollo Computer System

ROWLETT,TX. (September 7, 2014) The Rowlett Public Library catalog is “on a Cloud,” and so are Library customers and staff!  August 26 marked the launch of a new computer system called Apollo, replacing the Horizon cataloging and circulation system acquired in 2003.  Director of Library Services, Kathy Freiheit, notes, “Apollo brings a whole new level of service to Rowlett Library customers.  And on the staff side of things, Apollo is streamlining operations, making services faster and more efficient.”

The Apollo Catalog is user-friendly and comes with a fresh, new look.  Searching is made easy through a variety of search options, and the system offers spelling suggestions when needed.  Search results appear in columns that are sortable, and all are displayed on one page.  A scrolling stream of book covers for newly acquired materials takes users to item information through a single click.  “What’s Hot” offers drop-down lists for ease in finding the newest and most popular Library materials, in addition to special interest booklists.  Logged in customers can access Library databases and other electronic resources which appear on a drop-down list without need to log in multiple times.

Because it’s “Cloud-based,” the new Apollo catalog is mobile, accessible from home computers and personal devices like iPhones, iPads and Android units.  Apollo Customers can manage their accounts 24/7, renewing items already checked out, placing reserves (hold requests), or checking their place in line for requested items.   When life gets busy, customers can defer their reserve requests until later, and they can update their account information without having to come to the Library to do so.  Customers can also choose how they wish to receive notifications from the Library.  Choices include text or email.  As a convenience, Apollo generates notices automatically when items are about to become due or when a library card is nearing expiration.

Ebook and eAudiobook readers will enjoy the seamless access Apollo provides.  OverDrive and Project Gutenberg (public domain) titles are integrated and fully searchable in the catalog.  After account login, download and delivery can be done with a click.  The Library’s physical address and a “Visit Us” link, with a map and hours of operation, can be found at the bottom of the catalog main page.

In addition to taking advantage of Apollo’s robust reporting and collection management capabilities, Library staff are transitioning to new and improved workflows for everything from daily check in and checkout, to processing reserves and purchase recommendations.  An offline checkout module allows circulation operations to continue, even in the event that the Internet goes down.  Reference staff now have better tools to assist customers in locating materials, and refined processes for the purchase and cataloging of new items will come with implementation of a new Apollo acquisitions module in the next two weeks.

But there’s more!  Service enhancements to look for include “Reserve Express,” a service which allows customers to sign up and automatically be placed a hold for new titles as they are released by popular authors.  Customer self-registration and self-checkout will be forthcoming in the months ahead.

Apollo is provided by Biblionix, a company based inAustin,Texas, and offered only to public libraries.  Of some 435 subscribers across theUnited Statesand inCanada, 40% of Apollo clients are located inTexas.  Because it is a hosted system, no server purchase was required and Apollo is being used with existing staff computers and equipment.  System updates are provided at no additional cost and are done with little to no impact on operations.  The Library owns its own data, which is backed up hourly and secured through two remote locations.  Consistently rated #1 in annual automation surveys, Apollo has a reputation for excellence in customer satisfaction and support.

Apollo can be accessed through thie following link:  https://rowlett.biblionix.com/catalog/ or through the Library’s webpage at www.rowlett.com/library.

For more help in using the Apollo system or information on how to get a library card, call or visit the Rowlett Public Library,3900 Main Street, 972.412-6161.  Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am to 8:30 pm, and Friday and Saturday, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.

CONTACT: Kathy Freiheit, Director of Library Services, Rowlett Public Library, 972.412-6160 kfreiheit@rowlett.com

Submitted by Tonya Hartline, Information Services Supervisor, Rowlett Public Library

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