This document provides tips for navigating the Polaris integrated library system like an expert by using keyboard shortcuts instead of the mouse. It suggests finding the workflows that work best for the individual user. Multiple methods are presented for performing common tasks like checking out items and creating patron accounts. Readers are encouraged to be curious, try new things, and share their knowledge with others.

1. USING POLARIS
Navigating your ILS like a hacker
Daniel Messer (@bibrarian)
Web Content Manager
Maricopa County Library District

2. Hello, my name is Dan.
• Almost 20 years in the library world
• 17 years in public library circulation
• Polaris user since ~1999
• Technology and FOSS enthusiast
• Web content enthusiast
• Podcaster (Cyberpunk Librarian)
• Author
• Digital creative (music, illustration, video,
etc.)

3. Wait, what?
I don’t want to hack Polaris!

4. Oddly enough, hacker has
two meanings….

5. 1. A person who isn’t good at
something.
2. A person who’s an expert at
something.

7. This is your PAC, there are many like it
but this one is yours.

8. You are a professional and
this is not your primary tool.

9. See this right here?
This is the thing you’re supposed to use.

10. But each tool has its
own set of limitations.
You ever see this guy
use just a single tool?

11. Polaris isn’t good for everything. Sorry.
Remember you have other options besides the PAC
and the Polaris Toolbar!
• Fantastic Fiction
• Amazon
• Goodreads
• Novelist
• Fan sites
• And more! You have a lot of tools available to you.
Use them!

12. The street finds its own uses for things.
~William Gibson — Burning Chrome

13. In Polaris, there are multiple ways to do almost everything.
Check out:
• Click circulation -> Check Out
• Press F3
• Type ALT R U
• Click reddish-brown circle and then first icon
Create a new patron account:
• Click File -> New -> Scroll to Patron Record
• Type ALT F N P
Open PowerPAC Profiles
• Click Administration -> Explorer -> System ->
System:LIBRARYNAME -> Profiles -> PowerPAC
• Type ALT M X S {Right Arrow} {Down Arrow} {Down Arrow}
{Tab} {Right Arrow x 4}
• Yes I totally do this several times per week

14. Basically it goes like this…
If you want to increase the
speed at which you use Polaris

15. Then stop using your mouse so often.

16. The keyboard is your friend.
It makes everything faster.

17. Tune technology into your way of life
and let the technology work for you.
~Knightwise

18. Find your flow!
• Because there are many ways to do something, find the
one that works the best for you.
• No one way is better than another. The user is in control
and makes the decision.
• Yes, that means you can use the mouse if it works best
for you.
• Try new things! Poke the box!
• Most importantly, share what you know.

19. There are shortcuts everywhere!
And it’s totally okay to use them.
Polaris shortcuts:
• Look at your menus on your toolbar
• Press the ALT key and see what lights up
• Check out the help menu and documentation
Windows shortcuts:
• CTRL C, X, V (Copy, cut, paste)
• CTRL Z (Undo)
• ALT TAB (Switch between applications)
• Windows D (Minimize all windows)
• Windows key and start typing

20. Intelligence is the ability to
avoid doing work,
yet getting the work done.
~Linus Torvalds

21. You are cordially invited
To R.T.F.M

22. Be curious. Read widely.
Try new things.
I think a lot of what
people call intelligence
just boils down to curiosity.
~Aaron Swartz

23. Questions?

24. Daniel Messer
Web Content Manager
danielmesser@mcldaz.org
@bibrarian
cyberpunklibrarian.com/podcast

25. Images thanks to:
DC Comics
Free Culture Foundation
Knightwise
The Merry Monk
PBS
Pixabay
Wikimedia Commons