Upgraded catalog system coming to Placer County libraries, services limited Feb. 15 - 20

Published on January 30, 2019

Placer County Library services are about to take a technological leap forward with an upgrade of the catalog system that will streamline and enhance the users’ online and library branch experiences.

All Placer County libraries and the Bookmobile will be transitioning to the new catalog system, which will cause a temporary interruption to some library services Feb. 15 - 20.

During the transition period, library patrons can browse for materials and check them out, but they will not be able to search for specific titles. The new online catalog will not be available until Feb. 21.

The new catalog system software, Polaris, will be used to manage patron records, library inventory, the online catalog of materials and other features, and will replace a 24-year-old system.

Some features of the new system will include Google-like streamlined search capabilities and the ability to opt-in to view your account online and view previously checked out materials.

During the transition period, Placer County Library’s current system will go offline, making some key services temporarily unavailable. Patrons will not be able to renew, check in or place holds on books and other physical materials, or make payments. Self-checkout stations will also be non-operational during the transition period. 

Books and other materials that are due during the transition period will not be subject to fines, but those materials will remain notated as “checked out” on customer accounts until the new system is installed and updated.

All libraries will remain open during normal hours and other online databases will be available on the Placer County Library website, here. Library events and classes will also continue on schedule during the catalog system transition.

Library staff members will be available at each branch service desk to assist customers.

“We deeply appreciate our customers’ understanding and patience during the transition period,” said Placer County Library Director Mary George. “While the update will be a temporary inconvenience, our customers will be rewarded with a modern, flexible system that will make accessing everything the library has to offer easier and faster from now on.”

Important dates:

Feb. 2 - 20: Placing new holds on books and other materials will be unavailable.

Feb. 14: Placer County Library phone notification system service will be disconnected indefinitely.

Feb. 15 - 20: Placer County Library online services will be unavailable, including inside each branch. Library branches will not be able to renew or check in books and other materials. Fines for overdue materials will be suspended.

Feb. 21: Placer County Library online services resume.