Polaris Migration Information

The MILS library system is undertaking a migration from the Sierra Catalog System to the web-based Polaris LEAP system.  This is a massive undertaking for the member libraries, Maine InfoNet staff, and the staff from Polaris.  This page is designed to pull together as much information as possible for MILS member libraries to use during this busy transition period.  This page will be changing frequently.

If you would like to have any additions made to this page, or have questions or concerns, please contact James Jackson Sanborn at james.jacksonsanborn@maineinfonet.org

If you need help with any aspect of this migration or have general migration questions, please open at ticket at https://support.maineinfonet.org or via email to support@maineinfonet.org

Key MILS Migration Dates

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MILS Polaris Links:

FAQ

Post Go Live

How do I process check ins after Go Live?

See the Check In Process Post Go Live documentation for the various steps.

 

Preparing for Go Live in Polaris

What steps do we need to do to setup receipt printing in Polaris?

See the Preparing for Go Live page for setting up receipt printers and print options in Leap —
https://www.maineinfonet.org/preparing-for-go-live-in-polaris/

What settings do we need to update before going live in Polaris?

See the Preparing for Go Live page for setting up the workform user defaults in Leap —
https://www.maineinfonet.org/preparing-for-go-live-in-polaris/

 

Cataloging Suspended Period

Can we delete bibs between August 10th and 23rd if we are deleting the last attached item?

No, please do not delete them until Polaris is live. The best practice right now is to set the item as withdrawn in Sierra. Once Polaris is live, then you can create a record set of items with a withdrawn status and then delete the item and bib record.

Can we delete the location in the bib record between August 10th and 23rd?

No, the system has an overnight process that reviews bib records to match bib locations to attached item records. If an item is attached but no bib location is present for that item, then it adds the bib location. This process is to prevent items from accidentally being suppressed in the OPAC if the bib location wasn’t updated during cataloging.

 

Offline (Go Dark) Period

How long will we be using Leap Offline?

Sierra and Polaris Leap will be offline from August 24th through August 30th. During this time you will be using Leap Offline. You can begin using Polaris Leap starting August 31st.

How will I be able to check for a patron’s barcode # if they don’t have their card?

A spreadsheet will be provided to your library with all of your patrons names, barcodes, and some other fields to help with verification. Any new patrons will need to be manually added to the spreadsheet in order to keep track of them if they come back in without their card during the offline period.

When will notices be turned off in Sierra?

Notices and Sierra will be disabled the evening of August 23rd in preparation for offline on August 24th.

When will Sierra be disabled?

Notices and Sierra will be disabled the evening of August 23rd in preparation for offline on August 24th.

Will the Sierra OPAC be available during the Go Dark period of August 24th thru August 30th?

The OPAC will be available during the offline period, but may not have up to date status information. It can provide an idea of what’s in your collection, the location, and the call #. However, if the item is checked out during the offline period, you will not be able to see this information reflected in the OPAC. Requesting in the OPAC will not be available for patrons or staff.

Will patrons be able to access their My Account information from the OPAC?

No, patrons won’t be able to access My Account from the OPAC during the offline period. 

Will I be able to create patron records in Sierra or Polaris during the Go Dark period?

No. New patron record creation is suspended during this time. Please note the new patron information somewhere, perhaps in Excel, and keep track of their checkouts manually.

How will we process INN-Reach and MILS ILLs?

ILL will be unavailable during offline just as regular circulation will be unavailable. Please hold on to ILLs between the 24th and 30th. Requesting will also be unavailable at this time. Once MILS is live in Polaris, you can check in MILS library items, which should trigger a hold or in transit slip. If it is for a library not in MILS, then you will want to check it in through Sierra to fulfill holds or return INN-Reach items. More detailed information will be provided on how to process ILLs once MILS is live in Polaris.

Can we check out popular or best seller items to patrons during offline?

Most likely these items are on hold for a patron. You can still check out high demand materials to patrons if they are returned in the book drop/across the desk as long as you have the patron barcode and item barcode. Once Polaris is live, the system will be able to check the transaction date and will know to check the material in off the other patron’s account and check it out to the patron who currently has it out.

Will reciprocal borrowing be available during the offline period?

Requesting between MILS libraries will be unavailable during the offline period, but will be available at Go Live.  Reciprocal borrowing for non-MILS library patrons won’t be available until the beginning of December since the functionality is still in testing. 

Will MaineCat requesting be available during the offline period?

No, INN-Reach requesting won’t be available during the offline period and won’t be ready until mid-September. 

Will CloudLibrary authentication be available during offline?

Yes, for existing patrons. However, new patrons won’t be able to use CloudLibrary until their accounts are live in Polaris and the authentication is moved from Sierra to Polaris on September 1st.