SLIS Dean Blaise Cronin, and his son Rafael Cronin (the one in white) are pictured here at the grand opening program of the Monroe County Public Library (MCPL) new catalog system on Saturday, December 16, 2006. Rafael Cronin (a high school junior) currently works as a page at MCPL. He became the mascot (Polaris) for the grand opening to help welcome patrons. In particular, he made children happy to be at the library.
Polaris is also the name of the new "Web-based catalog system that will allow cardholders to access their searches from home more easily through limiting the searches by format, year of publication and even library branch, sending e-mails to inform them when something is due or when books arrive at the library. Other features include self-checkout..."
Indiana Daily Student, "Library to adopt new, user friendly catalog system", 12/11/06]
Training sessions on the new catalog system will be held each day this week - including Saturday, December 23. The sessions are free and open to the public. No registration is needed.
The library has been an important part of Bloomington since it's beginnings in 1816. "By 1830, the library collection had 800 books and served a population of 140." The library has grown a lot over the years. The new catalog demonstrates a continued effort to make library resources available to the community. Read more about the History of MCPL on their website.
The polar bear mascot is in honor of the polar bear sculptures in the front of the library building by the fountain.
Related press release 11/11/06:
" MCPL Ranked Number Two in Latest Public Library Ratings"
Posted December 18, 2006