- AMH - Automated Materials Handler - A machine that uses conveyer belts and scanners to automatically check in and sort library materials. Currently, Fountaindale is the only Pinnacle library that has an AMH.
- API - Application Programming Interface - Protocol for sharing data between two different applications
- DEI / EDI - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - A deliberate focus on expanding functional knowledge of people's identities. In the library world, it is often applied to making collection materials more inclusive or reducing barriers in HR.
- EDI - Electronic Data Interchange - A file format used in Acquisitions workflows that allows the library ILS and a vendor's system to communicate directly with one another. Polaris sends order information directly to the vendor. When the items are shipped, the vendor sends invoice information to Polaris.
- FMI - Find More Illinois - An interlibrary loan platform sponsored by the state of Illinois
- FY - Fiscal Year - Used in Acquisitions to define the budget time period. 5 of 6 Pinnacle Libraries use a July - June FY. Joliet's matches the calendar year
- IHLS - Illinois Heartland Library System -One of three regional library systems in IL. Supports the southern half of the state.
- iii - Innovative Interfaces Inc. The company that makes the Polaris system.
- ILL - InterLibrary Loan - Sharing of resources between different libraries. Can sometimes refer to sharing within a consortium or with members outside of the consortium
- ILS - Integrated Library System - A software platform that provides library functions, like Circulation or Cataloging. Pinnacle uses the Polaris ILS.
- LLSAP - Local Library System Automation Program - A legal definition to describe a library consortium in Illinois. Pinnacle is one of 7 LLSAPs in Illinois.
- MARC - MAchine Readable Code - Library standard format for cataloging used in library bibliographic records.
- NCIP - NISO Circulation Interchange Protocol - A standard protocol designed to send circulation "messages" between systems. Used for Find More Illinois.
- OPAC - Online Public Access Catalog - The interface that the public uses to search for library materials. Often called the "Public Catalog" or "PAC."
- PAPI - Polaris API - A web based programming interface that 3rd party vendors can use to connect to the Polaris database.
- RAILS - Reaching Across Illinois Library Systems - One of three regional library systems in IL. Supports the northern half of the state, including Pinnacle.
- RFID - Radio Frequency IDentification - Refers to a tag that is placed on library materials to assist with check out and check in procedures. Currently, Fountaindale is the only Pinnacle library that uses RFID.
- RTF - Request to Fill - A Polaris process that refers to how holds are filled for patrons. Often referred to as the "picklist"
- RTL - Request to Library. A feature in OverDrive that allows patrons to request materials that the consortium does not own.
- SHR - Serial Holdings Record - A record in Polaris that contains information related to the name and publication pattern of magazines in the library collection.
- SIP2 - Standard Interchange Protocol - Communication protocol that allows 3rd party vendors to communicate with the patron database. Commonly used for library self-check machines and database authentication.
- SQL - Structured Query Language - The database language that Polaris is based on. Staff can utilize SQL queries to look for records in the database.
- UMS - Unique Management Services - the collection agency vendor that contacts patrons with excessive account charges.
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