InfoTech: Polaris Releases Fusion Digital Content Manager

Michael Rogers -- Library Journal, 6/24/2008 10:54:00 AM

• Integrates digital content and the Polaris PowerPAC
• Users can view, read, listen to, or download materials on enriched data links
• Unlimited digital files can be added to a bibliographic record

Polaris Library Systems June 24 debuted a digital collection management system dubbed Polaris Fusion. The vendor said the new release “integrates digital content and the Polaris PowerPAC, enabling patrons to search for and retrieve digital materials without leaving the public catalog.” Users can view, read, listen to, or download materials on enriched data links in search results. Fusion also lets libraries “expose digital content to web crawlers, making digital assets widely available,” as well as providing access control list and authentication management capabilities so libraries can secure content and limit access to materials designated for specific patrons, groups, or locations. The release will be upgraded later with an e-commerce feature allowing users to purchase and download copies of digital media.

Any number of digital files can be added to a bibliographic record, which are cataloged in MARC format and managed through a web interface. Libraries can import records in Dublin Core.