Every year, the Pennsylvania Integrated Library System (PaILS), the proud home of the SPARK consortium, undergoes a significant software upgrade to keep our libraries running smoothly and efficiently. This year, we’re thrilled to announce that SPARK will be upgrading to Evergreen version 3.13, moving up from version 3.11. What is Evergreen? Evergreen is the powerful, open-source integrated library system (ILS) that serves as the backbone of PaILS’ services to public … Read More
The Pennsylvania Integrated Library System & Equinox Welcome Mary S. Biesecker Public Library to Evergreen ILS
The Pennsylvania Integrated Library System (PaILS), a non-profit organization that provides an open source integrated library system for Pennsylvania libraries, and Equinox Open Library Initiative, a trusted leader in open source technology development and support for libraries, are pleased to welcome Mary S. Biesecker Public Library to Evergreen ILS. “Our new SPARK catalog system helped us improve our patron service,” said Lee Ann Schrock, Library Director at Mary S. … Read More
Berks County Public Libraries and Reading Area Community College Joining SPARK!
We are thrilled to share that Berks County Public Libraries and Reading Area Community College will officially join SPARK in less than one week! Spanning 19 libraries with 23 locations across the county, the addition of the Berks Libraries represents a significant milestone for our consortium. On their inaugural day, a dedicated team comprising 3 PaILS staff members and 19 volunteers from existing SPARK libraries will extend support … Read More
Public Catalog Refresh Teaser & Call for Beta Testers
Public Catalog refresh coming September 2023 😊 Get ready to explore the enhanced public catalog in September! In the meantime, here’s a sneak peek: Are you interested in being a beta tester for Evergreen 3.11 before we upgrade in November? Email support@sparkpa.org and let us know! Library Spotlight Clearfield County Public Library/Curwensville Public Library’s virtual escape room “A Day at Australia Zoo” is such a clever concept! Created by Samantha … Read More
Share your ideas & opinions about PA broadband
As you may have seen on the Compendium, Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) is working to bring reliable internet service across the commonwealth. Here are some ways you can participate in the statewide effort to provide internet to all PA citizens: Respond to and share this public survey with your patrons and social networks Respond to and share this stakeholder survey with other libraries and community organizations Attend the Broadband … Read More
SPARK & Friends Breakfast at PaLA 2022!
Pennsylvania Integrated Library System (PaILS) will be hosting a “SPARK & Friends” breakfast for SPARK consortium members and their guests during the Pennsylvania Library Association Annual Conference. Coffee & juice, bagels & cinnamon rolls will be served alongside an opportunity to learn more about being a SPARK member, to network with other SPARK members, and to hear an update on PaILS/SPARK news from Executive Director, Katie Greenleaf Martin. RSVP here … Read More
PaILS 2021 – the year at a glance
Hello SPARK libraries! We here at PaILS have put together a little ‘snapshot’ report of everything we had going on in 2021 — we hope you enjoy it! Thanks for everything you do to provide excellent library services in Pennsylvania! PaILS 2021 report – Katie, Katherine & Elizabeth
PaILS welcomes Catherine Greenleaf Martin
On behalf of the Pennsylvania Integrated Library System board of directors, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Catherine Greenleaf Martin as our Executive Director. Katie has been serving in the position as Interim Executive Director and her technology expertise, professionalism, and commitment to the SPARK community and libraries in Pennsylvania is unparalleled. We are very excited and look forward to continuing working with Katie. Her official first day … Read More
Contacting Support and Queue Management Strategy
The SPARK Support portal is full of questions and ideas for implementing the most effective workflows and policies right now. We are also planning for the upgrade to 3.3. Please continue to be patient as we work through a long list. If you have an open request that you believe needs immediate attention, please call directly and we’ll set a priority timeline together. If something is stopping your success, PaILS … Read More