Our Apollo automation system excels at meeting the needs of small- and medium- sized public libraries, because that's all we do. We don't deal with school libraries, academic libraries, or big-city libraries. Apollo's breadth of patron capabilities engages patrons at a whole new level, helping you build your community. Its hosted approach removes software installation and server headaches. Apollo™ was designed within the library environment by practicing librarians and patrons. It was implemented with fresh, Internet-savvy thinking, without baggage of past software or corporate mergers. Animated Usage Examples

Our customers say Apollo dramatically increases ease of use and efficiency. Your staff will be able to accomplish more with less time. Plus, there's no software to install. All that's needed is a browser. How It Works.

We know firsthand about the frustrations of migrating; fighting the stranglehold of proprietary ILS data (see Data Accessibility). Also, for small libraries, a typical automation system can be far too costly. Apollo remedies these problems as well as provides functionality designed to meet only your needs. You can deploy Apollo without a local server and the associated unpredictable costs and maintenance problems. See the Apollo information sheet.

Start an Apollo trial today — it's free and it's fun.

See Apollo in Action (top)

While you continue to operate your library uninterrupted, you can try Apollo in 4 ways:

• See a few of Apollo's key features in our brief, animated tutorials.

• Try out the public catalog interface of our demonstration library. Try misspelling something, like "Hairy Poter". Note that items in green are available while items in red are not, columns are sortable, and be sure to try the popular "What's Hot". If you'd like to log in as a patron and try some features, let us know and we'll provide you a card number and password.

• With no fee or commitment, we'll import any or all of your library's data into a new Apollo account so you can test drive it. Learn More (PDF) We'll help you get your data out of your existing ILS with our guides for common ILS software. Take as long as you like; your migration comfort is paramount. The migration fee is only payable when you ultimately decide to migrate to Apollo. Request your data trial now!

• Let us show you a live demonstration of Apollo. Tell us you're interested and we'll be in touch.

Smooth, Comfortable Transition (top)

• Migration from your existing ILS

  For a single, flat fee you can migrate comfortably to Apollo. We'll import your patrons and MARC, with all holding information, of course, and we'll also bring in information such as fines, items currently out, reserves, history, and notes. We've even imported patrons’ birthdays from a spreadsheet! Also, we'll clean up your bibliographic data by consolidating minor differences in subject designations and author names. All for one flat fee. Plus, Apollo can use existing barcode labels, scanners, and printers.

  Then, while your library continues to operate normally, we'll work together to make sure that your import is accurate and complete. Take your time, because your comfort comes first. If and when you are ready, we'll do the import again with your latest data and you are ready to start enjoying Apollo!

  Concerned about the migration process? Read our Migration to Apollo (PDF).

• In a retrospective conversion

  If the overwhelming prospect of automating for the first time has your retrospective conversion on hold, your wait is over. With Apollo's flat-fee BARC™ (PDF) (Biblionix Automated Retrospective Conversion), there is no tedious creation of a shelf list and no sending your data out for lengthy and expensive conversion.

  Automation can be reliably achieved with a couple of staff members or teams of volunteers, strengthening the library's bonds to the community. The BARC user interface is carefully crafted to be intuitive and to ensure accuracy. The conversion fee is usually as little as $1200.

  With a scan of the ISBN barcode or keying-in of the ISBN number or title, Apollo quickly accesses the Library of Congress and other large libraries for free bibliographic records. After a check that the titles match, one click enters that item into the collection with the associated headings and subheadings such as subject and author. Label printing and patron account creation are easy too. The friendly, user-tested instructions streamline the automation at the library, on the library's schedule, saving thousands of dollars. Also, this wonderful volunteer opportunity, not unlike a quilting bee, can enhance the social and emotional connections of volunteers and their beloved library.

  Biblionix wishes to thank Moody Community Library in Moody, Texas, for being the proving ground for BARC and helping to solidify the process and instructions.

Delightful and efficient for your staff (top)

Our customers simply rave about how much easier their jobs are. From time-savers, to error prevention, to patron joy and community building, Apollo is making a difference. And this is all with only a browser and no server or software to install. Here are a few examples:

• Circulation Management:
  • Streamlines reserves placement: You'll no longer have to handle all reserve requests. Patrons can reserve items from within their library account at home or in the library.

  • Streamlines reserves management: Apollo will automatically print an identifying wrapper when an item on reserve is checked in.

  • Overdue notifications: There is no need to keep track of the last time you called or mailed notices. Apollo can give you back all the time and tedium that you spend remembering notification dates and preparing postcards and letters. At a click of the mouse, Apollo will provide you a single customized PDF file ready for printing. Just stamp and stuff! That's it!
  • Single catalog interface, whether at home or at the library: patrons see at home exactly what they see in the library, so there's only one interface for your staff to learn. You'll always be able to answer questions about the interface, because it's the same one you use yourself.
  • Branch support: If you have a branch, or a couple of locations in a county library system, our integrated branch support will provide all staff and patrons with seamless visibility into the whole system. And that's all with no server required in your buildings.
  • VersaCat™ Communal Catalog: VersaCat integrates other Apollo libraries' search results into your own. This communal catalog approach broadens the search and discovery experiences of your patrons. What's more, VersaCat can be used as an ad hoc consortium. You retain your autonomy with no need to submit to a consortium manager.
  • Easily track materials with problems. The history and notes for each issue are available to your staff, whether the item is missing a part, damaged, lost, or simply not yet available for circulation. Patrons simply see 'in' or 'out', reducing confusion caused by unnecessary information.

  • Automated overdue calls and other notifications: Let Apollo make overdue and reserve calls for you. Automated email notices are also available for overdues and reserves, as well as for a "3-day notice before items are due" notice. The emails are standard with Apollo, as is creation of calling lists for you to make calls. Apollo Auto-Calling is an option.

  • Self-checkout: You can optionally chose to offer Express Checkout to your patrons. Your patrons will use a foolproof checkout system that will save your valuable time at your circ desk. This requires no special equipment — just a PC and a scanner.
• Collection Management:
  • Rapid cataloging with Integrated MARC import: When you catalog a new item, Apollo will search major libraries for free MARC, then import it at the touch of a button. Apollo matches authors, subjects, and other elements with those that are already in your catalog, minimizing error-prone typing and duplication of records. There's no need to buy 3rd party services or cut and paste from your own searches. Plus, cataloging is fast and accurate with Apollo. Our customers say they can catalog ten times as many items as their former ILS in an equivalent period.
  • Reporting flexibility: Apollo provides extensive and flexible reporting capabilities. What if your collection manager could see a report that listed all items that had been checked out fewer than 3 times in the last year? Now, what if you could adjust the 3 checkouts and one year to anything you wanted? That's how all of our reports are designed: to give you the flexibility to get what you need.
  • Deletion management: When you delete an item, it's removed from your active circulation view. But if the item is ever returned, you can simply undelete it and all the associated data is restored. This is a major advantage over today's ILS offerings, where when you delete an item, it's completely gone. There's no record of the usage and if the item reappears, you have to treat it like a brand new item and re-enter it all over again. Also, history and problems for deleted items are preserved: you can delete an old holding without forgetting that a patron owes money on it.
  • 13-digit ISBN: Apollo fully meets the January 2007 requirements of 13 digit ISBN numbers, for both your existing and new holdings. Apollo will automatically convert all of your collection's existing 10 digit ISBN numbers to the new obligatory 13 digit format. All items can be input and searched whether they are in 13 or 10 digits.

  • Powerful authority control: Apollo uses pre-defined fields for bibliographic records so your collection can't get diverging references. This maintains catalog searches that are clear and complete. Authority control is an integral part of cataloging with Apollo. It's fast and difficult to make a mistake.

    To clean up your existing authority files, you can easily merge duplicate records with a single, instantaneous command.

  • Pending status for new items: You can decide exactly when an item becomes visible to the patrons. Only when you're satisfied with your entry and mark a title "Active" will it show up. This eliminates confusion and frustration on the part of the patrons.
• Other Advantages
  • Backups: With Apollo, you'll likely have better backup protection than you do now. We use multiple disk drives, so if one crashes, your library won't miss a beat. We back up your data to a different location several times every day. Plus we record every transaction in real-time to another server. This means that you can forget backup and restore regimens.
  • Link Family Members: Get the best of both worlds between family cards and individual cards. Fines are aggregated, so linked patrons can pay for each other. But circulation records remain private. If compatible with your library's privacy policy, this feature can save a lot of time and tedium.
  • New Patron Sign-up: If you have many new sign-ups or have trouble accurately transcribing information from handwritten sign-up cards, Apollo's patron sign-up feature may be for you. It lets patrons enter their own data at a dedicated PC at the circulation desk. When they finish, circulation staff is notified. Staff can then check identification and provide a library card. This is included in Apollo, but its use is determined by each library.

  • OPAC Customization: With Apollo, you get a catalog that looks like it's yours, not some generic ILS. On the catalog home page, we'll display pictures of your choice. And you can display any message on the catalog page that you want. Also, if you wish, you can modify the CSS of the catalog page, customizing the look and feel. For advanced libraries, even the HTML of the page itself can be customized.

  • Newsletter mailing lists: Let Apollo manage your email newsletter mailing lists. Patrons can opt-in/opt-out of your newsletter(s) in their "My Account" page. Then Apollo will provide you with the lists of email addresses any time you need it.
  • SIP2 Support: Apollo supports public computer management software, such as Librarica's CASSIE, and other third party solutions that require SIP2.
  • Known costs: Since no server is required at your site, you will not be faced with uncertain server repair and replacement costs. You subscribe to Apollo, pay a predictable, known price and your yearly operating expenses will have one fewer surprise.

Empower Patrons as Never Before (top)

With Apollo, your patrons get a host of new, user friendly services. What's more, they'll see the identical interface at home as they will in your library. Their happiness will be your success. Think about how these exciting capabilities will be received:

• Optional catalog enhancement with Baker & Taylor's Content Café 2™: Liven up your catalog with cover/jacket images. Also available are reviews, summaries, ToCs, flap text, excerpts, and author biographies. There are over 10 million data elements provinding coverage for most books and DVDs. This is an extra cost option.

• Search engine–style catalog search: Patrons interact with a single text field and submit button. No longer will your staff have to deal with questions about confusing search interfaces.
• Database instant access: See your database utilization jump. Tell us about databases you offer to your patrons. We'll use your log-in information to automatically provide access once patrons are logged in to their library accounts. They will have one-click access to any database you tell us about. Patrons can be in your library or home or anywhere! Examples are NetLibrary, New York Times, RAND, state sponsored databases, and many more.
• Email due date alerts: Patrons can chose to have notices emailed to them 3 days prior to the due date. Also, overdue notices are automatically emailed.
• Reserve on-line: Patrons can reserve items on-line whether they are at home or in the library. They can be notified by automatic email.
• Reserve by author: The Apollo Reserve Express™ feature allows patrons to indicate their favorite authors. When a new title by that author arrives, the patron is automatically put on the reserve list for that title.
• Single patron interface: No longer will patrons have to struggle with two different ways to interface with your library. What they see at home is exactly the same as what they see within your four walls. This is for everything: catalog searches to reserves to account management are all identical. Just wait until you hear the compliments.
• Self-checkout: If you elect to offer Express Checkout™, your patrons will avoid lines and feel trusted. Your community and ownership characteristics will be bolstered. Also, you can allow patrons to renew items from any browser, anywhere.
• On-line payments: Your patrons can pay for fines or lost books on-line with a credit card! Apollo uses PayPal to facilitate the payment, without requiring patrons to have a PayPal account. Patrons logging in can see their balance due and pay instantly with a few clicks.
• For every patron, Apollo tracks the value of all items checked out over the calendar year. Patrons see this total amount on checkout and fine receipts as well as in any Apollo email. It is not uncommon for this to engender unsolicited contributions.

No onsite server required / no support cost surprises (top)

That's right, Apollo is a fully featured automation application that runs on our powerful and secure servers. This approach is called Software-as-a-Service. You save on hardware and maintenance costs and headaches. You won't have budgetary surprises of having to buy a new server or paying for expensive maintenance calls. How It Works.

Designed by practicing librarians (top)

Born out of the frustration of being trapped with a legacy ILS system, a highly successful Texas public library thought out of the box. They had a vision of a better way to run a public library. They partnered with Biblionix and started from the ground up to design and build a completely new ILS. Driven by practicing, accomplished librarians, including the 2006 Texas Library Association Librarian of the Year, Apollo came to be. Meticulous attention to detail and continuous improvements resulted in an exceptional system for community libraries, not big-city libraries.

Pricing (top)

Apollo is a service, offered on an annual subscription basis, just as you might pay for magazines or databases. And all features are included in the base subscription price except three: Content Cafe 2, Auto-Calling, and Branch Support. Subscriptions include all server functionality, backups, customer support, free upgrades, and access to a user forum. A contract is not required. You can cancel at any time and receive a refund of your unused subscription term. Our customers' holdings range from under 10,000 to over 140,000 items and their annual circulations range from under 10,000 to over 600,000. Pricing is quoted on an individual library basis, so contact us for details on your subscription.

To get a detailed cost of ownership analysis for Apollo versus server-based ILS software products, you can use our dynamic comparison spreadsheet: OpenDocument, Excel.

System Requirements (top)

Because of our Internet delivery, the system requirements for Apollo are unoppressive. We don't lock you in to particular hardware or a particular operating system.

Requirements

• A reasonably modern Web browser (eg Internet Explorer 7 or Firefox 2+).
• A high-speed (DSL, cable, or better) Internet connection.

Recommendations

• Reasonably modern hardware, on which Web browsing is not painfully slow.
• At least 1024x768 screen resolution.

Start an Apollo trial today — it's free and it's fun.

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