Meeting Registration

PUG 2006 Agenda

Summary of the 2006 Annual Meeting

PUG 2006 continued the tradition of varied and informative presentations by Polaris users, sessions by Polaris Library Systems staff on the next release (Rel 3.3) and other topics, opportunities to talk with other PUG members, Polaris Library Systems (PLS) staff, a vendor reception with Polaris Partners and presentation by a dynamic keynote speaker.  The Program Committee planned an outstanding conference program that was relevant to Polaris customers.   

Thursday's programs were presentations by the Polaris Library Systems staff.  A highlight this year was the "Town Meeting" -- a time to ask questions and discuss issues with the Polaris Management Team.  The Polaris Library Systems staff used a number of formats to show us some of the features of Rel 3.3 --large group presentations, roundtables and discussion groups.     Thursday night was the popular Vendor Reception with more vendors this year:  AWE, 3M, Polaris Library Systems, Evanced Solutions, Ingram, Midwest Tape, Baker and Taylor, BookLetters, Civic Technologies, Bibliotheca, Brodart, Computype, EnvisionWare, NoveList, Unique Management Systems and Comprise Technologies.  PUG members and vendors had an opportunity to see different products and talk about services as well as a chance to share a fountain of chocolate and other delicious food.     

Friday and Saturday sessions utilized three tracks:  Administrator's, Workflow and Technology.  The keynote speaker, Michael Stephens, talked about "6 Considerations for Technology Savvy Libraries" and also led 2 sessions:  "The Big Picture:  Toward Library 2.0, Training, Technology and Planning" and "The User-Centric Library:  What OCLC's User Perceptions Report Means for Public Libraries".  Other Friday sessions were led by PUG members on many topics, including:  Tech Gadgets, Using Stamps.com to Produce Cost Effective Postcards, the Ins and Outs of Inventory using the Polaris Inventory Manager, Backup Solutions and Disaster Recovery Planning.   Sessions such as "Creative Solutions to Public Service Challenges" and "Been There Done That" were chances share problems and solutions.  This year, there was a major emphasis on Reports with Polaris Library Systems presenting, "We Listened:  Where We Are, Where We're Going with Polaris Reporting" and four sessions by Polaris users:  "Get to Know the Top 5 most Useful Polaris Tables", "Getting What You Need from Polaris Reports – Parts 1 and 2", and "The Reports Roundtable".  PUG was fortunate that David Bendekovic of Polaris Library Systems agreed to present three sessions on Leaders in Libraries.  Friday night was the President’s Reception hosted by Polaris Library Systems - an evening of fun at "Club Polaris" with opportunities to dance, eat and relax.  On Saturday, Bryan Rubenau, Senior Product Developer, Polaris Library Systems, conducted the post-conference training session:  "PAC Customization Capabilities".

Bylaws changes this year, resulted in some changes:  Vice-Chair changed to Vice Chair/Chair Elect and instead of being responsible for the enhancements process the Vice Chair is responsible for the conference program.  A new position, Enhancements Process Coordinator was created.  Election results this year were:  Vice Chair/Chair Elect:  Vicki Terbovich (Maricopa County Library District), Treasurer:  Maryam Phillips (MCLINC), Secretary:  Mary Hedrick (Harrison Regional Library), Enhancements Process Coordinator:  Dana Hines (CLAN), Member at Large:  Margaret Hazel (Eugene Public Library), Member at Large:  Jim Pool (Arlington Public Library).