1. Destiny vs. TLC
A list of pros and cons of each library automation system, and a proposal to keep Destiny as our K-12 school-wide OPAC.

2. Introduction
In this proposal, we have outlined the pros and cons of Destiny, the library management system we currently use and The Library Corporation (TLC,) a system that the district is investigating, to possibly replace Destiny. This is the elementary level view of such a transition and how it would effect the district, from students in all grades to the staff, and to the technology department.

3. Destiny Pros - Elementary
Destiny is part of the Follett Corporation, which includes
integrations with Titlewave bookstore, TitleWise collection analysis, X2, Aspen (Student Information System) and WebPath Express (for a larger fee,) making it a convenient all inclusive system.
TitleWave ordering is easy and saves booklists until you are ready to order.
Can set up parameters for class lists for overdue reports and saves them to be used quickly throughout the year.
Catalog is online, usable everywhere.

4. Destiny Pros - Elementary
Books that are processed from Follett look neat and professional.
Easy to navigate while creating patron reports, patron updates, call number changes, patron barcodes, etc.
Most popular library management system in American schools.
Destiny Quest shows images in catalog search, which is easier for younger students to search.
Ease of using patron checkout history, to find books for
other students (Can I have the book that Casey had last month?)

5. Destiny Pros - Elementary
TitlePeek is a fantastic visual advantage for searching for books.
Easy to upload MARC records and new books from Follett or any company.
Students are already familiar with Destiny system in all grades.
Offers E-book integration in the catalog, so e-books can be properly checked out.
We are currently using this system quite successfully.

6. TLC Pros - Elementary Easy to upload MARC records from TLC.
Interesting visual interface while students search for books.
Less expensive than Destiny (upfront cost.)
CARL.X is connected to Children’s Plus for book purchasing and electronic data interchange to TLC.

7. Destiny Cons – Elementary
Cost is more expensive (upfront.)
Once younger students use Destiny Quest, they have a more difficult time transitioning to regular search catalog.
Destiny catalog search requires exact spelling, which can be frustrating for students.

8. TLC Cons - Elementary
With an already sparse IT department, valuable time will be needed to implement TLC system in each school and on each computer in the district.
Hours of training librarians and teachers on how to use new system, so they can teach it to students.
TLC does not have as many connections to other management tools like Destiny, such as TitleWise and Aspen.
Trying to get students and staff on board with new OPAC system can be laborious, with extra work falling to librarians for searches, data collection and book collection.

9. Recommendation to stay with Destiny
Clearly, the most cost effective, time effective and productive way to manage our library systems is to stay with the Destiny OPAC. It is user-friendly and well known in the district by students and staff alike. While it may have been more expensive in its implementation, the customer service and management tools that accompany such an investment, make it more than worthwhile. We have been using Destiny with great success for more than 17 years and it would be unfavorable to switch to a lesser approved system. Destiny is meeting and exceeding the needs of its patrons, therefore, we see no need to change to another system.