Like all industries, there are a lot of acronyms and lingo associated with libraries. Here are some of the most common ones you'll encounter.
A B C D E F H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
ALTA is the collective voice for Alberta library board trustees and, through them, represents the interests of patrons and supporters of public libraries. ALTA also promotes effective library service and leadership in communication and advocacy, and encourages trustee education and development.
Alberta Municipalities (ABmunis)
ABmunis represents municipalities where over 85% of Albertans live: summer villages, villages, cities, towns and specialized municipalities. ABmunis work with elected and administrative leaders to advocate for solutions to municipal issues: economic, environment, governance, infrastructure or social. YRL is an associate member.
Chinook Arch Regional Library System (CARLS)
One of Alberta's regional library systems, headquartered in Lethbridge.
Coordinated Collection Development (CCD) Tool
CCD is a custom web application developed by YRL and local software developers. It is an online shopping tool, allowing member library staff to conveniently search for and order library materials, check availability of the material across YRL and TRAC, and pay with their allotment account.
Intra/Interlibrary loan (ILL)
Intralibrary loan is the service by which libraries within TRAC loan library materials with each other. Interlibrary loan describes the borrowing and lending of materials between TRAC libraries and libraries outside of TRAC, either provincially or nationally. See VDX for more information.
Integrated Library System (ILS)
The ILS is a library management system, a software used to track items, patrons, orders, billing and more. It's the backbone of library service. YRL uses the Polaris ILS from Innovative Interfaces, Inc.
Leap
Leap is the responsive web client that allows library staff to access the Polaris ILS through a browser.
Library Association of Alberta (LAA)
LAA is an organization that advocates for libraries, promotes intellectual freedom, provides continuing education and collaborates with others interested in achieving excellence in library and information services.
Marigold Library System (MLS)
One of Alberta's regional library systems and member of TRAC, headquartered in Strathmore.
Northern Lights Library System (NLLS)
One of Alberta's regional library systems and member of TRAC, headquartered in Elk Point.
Parkland Regional Library System (PRLS)
One of Alberta's regional library systems, headquartered in Lacombe.
Peace Library System (PLS)
One of Alberta's regional library systems and member of TRAC, headquartered in Grande Prairie.
Polaris
Polaris is the integrated library system that TRAC uses for managing library services. It is software that is installed on the staff computers that allow the library to register patrons, loan materials and more.
Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA)
The RMA is an independent association comprising Alberta’s 69 counties and municipal districts. Since 1909, RMA has helped rural municipalities achieve strong, effective, local government.
Shortgrass Library System (SLS)
One of Alberta's regional library systems, headquartered in Medicine Hat.
The Alberta Library (TAL)
TAL is a province-wide library consortium that works collaboratively with its members to promote universal, barrier-free access to the materials and resources in Alberta's diverse libraries. TAL’s membership includes public, university, college, technical institute and special libraries as well as regional library systems. Some examples of services TAL offers include the TAL Card program, database licensing and the TAL Online catalogue.
The Regional Automation Consortium (TRAC)
TRAC is the partnership of Marigold Library System, Northern Lights Library System, Peace Library System and Yellowhead Regional Library, as well as their member libraries. The four system headquarters and the more than 170 member public libraries operate a library automation system. Patrons of TRAC public libraries have access to more than three million items through its public access catalogue, TRACpac.