Polaris ILS: empowering the modern public library
Get more out of your library and be ready for the future.
Polaris is a comprehensive integrated library system designed for the modern public library, offering the most robust functionality in its class.
Polaris libraries can measurably optimize staff workflows and reduce overhead while improving patron services. Backed by continuous, community-driven enhancements – as seen in the latest Polaris 7.8 release – Polaris ensures your library keeps evolving to meet patron and staff needs.
Polaris is a comprehensive integrated library system designed for the modern public library, offering the most robust functionality in its class.
Polaris libraries can measurably optimize staff workflows and reduce overhead while improving patron services. Backed by continuous, community-driven enhancements – as seen in the latest Polaris 7.8 release – Polaris ensures your library keeps evolving to meet patron and staff needs.
Provide a Powerful Experience with a Paired Solution
The power combo of Polaris and the Vega LX suite gives you access to a wide range of tools within a single, secure ecosystem.
We surveyed Polaris customers about their experiences
65%
decrease in time spent
managing acquisitions and print serials
70%
less time spent on catalog management and maintenance
60%
decrease in time spent creating reports
Streamlined Staff Workflows, Minimal Effort
Polaris is built to increase staff productivity and efficiency from day one. Its intuitive Leap web client requires minimal training, so your team spends less time on software and more time serving patrons. Routine tasks are simplified across all modules – from cataloging to circulation – with thoughtful refinements that reduce clicks and save time. For example, the latest Polaris release introduces a patron import feature in Leap that lets staff upload .TRN or .CSV files to create or overlay patron records, simplifying student and seasonal patron onboarding. This bulk-import workflow eliminates tedious manual data entry and helps avoid mistakes when adding large groups of new users. With an interface that streamlines everyday operations, even complex processes can be completed in just a few steps. The result is an ILS that lets your staff do more with less effort every day.
Streamlined Staff Workflows, Minimal Effort
Polaris is built to increase staff productivity and efficiency from day one. Its intuitive Leap web client requires minimal training, so your team spends less time on software and more time serving patrons. Routine tasks are simplified across all modules – from cataloging to circulation – with thoughtful refinements that reduce clicks and save time. For example, the latest Polaris release introduces a patron import feature in Leap that lets staff upload .TRN or .CSV files to create or overlay patron records, simplifying student and seasonal patron onboarding. This bulk-import workflow eliminates tedious manual data entry and helps avoid mistakes when adding large groups of new users. With an interface that streamlines everyday operations, even complex processes can be completed in just a few steps. The result is an ILS that lets your staff do more with less effort every day.
Exceptional Patron Experiences
Deliver an intuitive, engaging library experience to your community. Polaris ensures your patrons have a user-friendly online catalog (PAC) that makes discovery easy – whether they’re searching for a book or borrowing an eBook. Patrons can find and check out digital content right from your catalog, thanks to Polaris’s seamless eContent integration that keeps them on your site when something interests them. Polaris also elevates patron communications: with modern email notices powered by LX Starter, libraries can send attractive, customized emails for holds, overdues and more, improving the way you connect with users. In short, Polaris helps you meet patrons where they are – providing convenient self-service options, timely notifications, and an overall experience that keeps them coming back.
Exceptional Patron Experiences
Deliver an intuitive, engaging library experience to your community. Polaris ensures your patrons have a user-friendly online catalog (PAC) that makes discovery easy – whether they’re searching for a book or borrowing an eBook. Patrons can find and check out digital content right from your catalog, thanks to Polaris’s seamless eContent integration that keeps them on your site when something interests them. Polaris also elevates patron communications: with modern email notices powered by LX Starter, libraries can send attractive, customized emails for holds, overdues and more, improving the way you connect with users. In short, Polaris helps you meet patrons where they are – providing convenient self-service options, timely notifications, and an overall experience that keeps them coming back.
Work Anywhere with Polaris Leap
Empower your staff with ultimate mobility. The Polaris Leap web client lets staff perform circulation, cataloging, acquisitions and other tasks from anywhere with an internet connection. Whether in a back office, out in the stacks, or at a community event, staff have full access to Polaris through a responsive web interface that works on laptops and tablets. Imagine conducting a storytime at a farmer’s market or managing a pop-up library – Polaris Leap makes it possible by bringing core ILS functions to whatever location you need. This flexibility not only boosts productivity, it also enhances customer service. Staff can assist patrons on the fly, look up accounts or place requests without running back to a desk. Polaris Leap truly takes your library beyond the four walls, enabling real-time service anywhere in your community.
Work Anywhere with Polaris Leap
Empower your staff with ultimate mobility. The Polaris Leap web client lets staff perform circulation, cataloging, acquisitions and other tasks from anywhere with an internet connection. Whether in a back office, out in the stacks, or at a community event, staff have full access to Polaris through a responsive web interface that works on laptops and tablets. Imagine conducting a storytime at a farmer’s market or managing a pop-up library – Polaris Leap makes it possible by bringing core ILS functions to whatever location you need. This flexibility not only boosts productivity, it also enhances customer service. Staff can assist patrons on the fly, look up accounts or place requests without running back to a desk. Polaris Leap truly takes your library beyond the four walls, enabling real-time service anywhere in your community.
Connected, Future-Ready Platform
Polaris is an open and future-focused platform that works the way your library works. It offers extensive interoperability – integrating with third-party vendors, social media, and outside resources so you can connect Polaris with the tools and content you already use. From syncing with eBook providers (OverDrive, cloudLibrary, etc.) to supporting self-service kiosks and discovery layers, Polaris fits seamlessly into a modern library ecosystem. Polaris also shines in multi-library environments, with strong support for consortia and multi-branch configurations. Administration is flexible, allowing consortium-level oversight alongside local library customizations. And as your needs change, Polaris keeps pace: Innovative (part of Clarivate) releases regular updates driven directly by librarian feedback. In fact, Polaris 7.8 was shaped by votes from libraries on their “wishlist” features – delivering enhancements like new staff-side options and time-saving workflows that were built for librarians, by librarians. With Polaris, you gain a partner committed to your success, ensuring your technology is never static and always ready for what’s next.
Connected, Future-Ready Platform
Polaris is an open and future-focused platform that works the way your library works. It offers extensive interoperability – integrating with third-party vendors, social media, and outside resources so you can connect Polaris with the tools and content you already use. From syncing with eBook providers (OverDrive, cloudLibrary, etc.) to supporting self-service kiosks and discovery layers, Polaris fits seamlessly into a modern library ecosystem. Polaris also shines in multi-library environments, with strong support for consortia and multi-branch configurations. Administration is flexible, allowing consortium-level oversight alongside local library customizations. And as your needs change, Polaris keeps pace: Innovative (part of Clarivate) releases regular updates driven directly by librarian feedback. In fact, Polaris 7.8 was shaped by votes from libraries on their “wishlist” features – delivering enhancements like new staff-side options and time-saving workflows that were built for librarians, by librarians. With Polaris, you gain a partner committed to your success, ensuring your technology is never static and always ready for what’s next.
Cataloging
Manage bibliographic records with automatic authority control
Acquisitions
Manage orders via EDI and ASN receiving
Circulation
View check-in/out and hold requests
Discovery
Responsive PAC with integrated eContent circulation from 4 different vendors
Serials
Serials check in, standing and firm order management
Administration
Manage permissions, profiles and customizations
Works with:
- PowerPAC
- Leap
- Vega LX
- SimplyReports
- Polaris Inventory Manager
- URL Detective
- MyLibrary!
- Polaris Telephony
- Innovative Resource Sharing
- CloudLibrary
- OverDrive
- Axis360
- RecordedBooks
- Ebsco Discovery Service
- Talking Tech
Hear what our customers have to say
From people who trusted and invested with us
“We really want our customers to feel that their public library offers them something intuitive and easy to use. That’s why we went with Polaris and Innovative.”
Mary George
Director of Library Services, Placer County Library
When you have a system that’s easy to use and has an easy interface that staff are able to utilize to serve our patrons, it makes the customer service that much better…
Michelle Krooswyk
Director, New Lenox Public Library District
“The Polaris product is exceptional, from the acquisitions module to the circulation module, which allows for multiple windows and access. We’ve been very happy with the Polaris product.”
I’m thrilled to have Innovative as a partner. We have a really good relationship with Innovative. I’m really thrilled to see where they are going in the future and I hope to continue to use Polaris.
Karen Knox
Director, Orion Township Public Library
FAQ about Polaris ILS
What is Polaris ILS?
Polaris is a complete Integrated Library System trusted by public libraries worldwide. It provides all the core functions needed to run your library – cataloging, circulation, acquisitions, serials, patron account management, and more – in one unified platform. Designed for the modern public library, Polaris offers robust functionality that increases staff productivity, enhances the patron experience, and empowers libraries to get more value from their technology investment .
How does Polaris help library staff save time and work more efficiently?
Polaris is engineered to streamline workflows and eliminate tedious steps. Common tasks require fewer clicks and screens than legacy systems, letting staff accomplish more in less time . In surveys of Polaris libraries, 65% reported a decrease in time spent managing acquisitions and serials, 70% spent less time on catalog management, and 60% saw a reduction in time creating reports – tangible proof of Polaris’s efficiency gains. Features like the Polaris Leap web client (for mobile work), automated authority control in cataloging, and integrated reporting (SimplyReports)all contribute to saving staff hours and reducing repetitive work.
Can my staff use Polaris on tablets or work remotely?
Yes. The Polaris Leap web client is a browser-based interface that gives staff access to Polaris from anywhere with internet. Leap is fully responsive, so staff can use it on a laptop or tablet just as easily as a desktop . Whether working from a service desk, out in the community, or even from home, staff can perform circulation tasks, update records, place holds, and more through the web interface. Leap enables flexible remote work and service on-the-go, without sacrificing functionality. In addition, Polaris offers hosted cloud deployment options (through Innovative) so that your staff can securely access the system outside the library network if needed.
How does Polaris improve the library patron’s experience?
Polaris helps your library deliver a better patron experience in several ways. First, with Vega Discover as your public catalog, patrons enjoy a modern, mobile-responsive discovery experience where all formats and editions of a title are grouped into a single, clean display. Digital content like eBooks and audiobooks are integrated directly, so patrons can place holds and check out items without being redirected to external sites. Vega Discover introduces roll-ups, which group together different formats and editions of a title into one clean result, letting patrons quickly see availability and act with a single click. For those who prefer texts or calls, Polaris libraries can add solutions like Vega Interact SMS and Phone Alerts to reach patrons on their phones. By keeping patrons informed with timely notices and offering convenient online services (like renewals, holds, and fine payment), Polaris helps build satisfaction and loyalty. Patrons feel that their library is accessible, responsive, and in step with today’s technology.
What new features are available in the latest Polaris release?
The most recent version, Polaris 7.8 (released June 2025), introduced a number of enhancements driven by librarian feedback. Libraries now have expanded web-based administrative controls, allowing managers to configure user settings and policies through a browser (no desktop client needed) for greater convenience. Polaris 7.8 also added new linking options between records, enabling staff to move seamlessly between technical services workforms with fewer clicks. This makes it much easier to navigate between related records during cataloging or acquisitions, reducing interruptions and supporting more efficient workflows. A long-requested patron account merging improvement was also implemented, making it faster to merge duplicate patron records and reduce errors. Additionally, new statistics tracking (such as renewal counts in reports) and a direct-to-printer option for receipts give staff quicker access to insights and faster ways to complete everyday tasks. Every Polaris release is influenced by community voting and input, so upgrades like 7.8 reflect what libraries have asked for – ensuring Polaris stays aligned with real library needs.
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