Integrated library system processes involved in the selection and evaluation of a library system

Title: Library Automation : a buying guide

Author: Kathy Schrock

URL: http://www.techlearning.com/showArticle.php?articleID=17602661

Abstract of the article:

A lot of things should be considered in choosing a new library automation system because each system may do its job well, but there are significant features that might make one system better for your institutions. The following questions have been mentioned in the article in the selection and evaluation of a library system:

1. Does the system use standardized formats for importing and exporting data?
2. Is it SIF-Compliant?
3. What Type of Database is used?
4. How does data conversion work?
5. Can other applications besides library software run on the workstations?
6. Can the Online Public Access Catalog be accessed from other computers in the school?
7. What reports does the software generate?
8. Can you metasearch both the OPAC and the Web with a single search?
9. What Types of support agreements are available?
10. What Type of training is offered?
11. What are the technical and infrastructure Set-ups?
12. Can the system be accessed from outside of the firewall?
13. Is there a power-out feature included?
14. What’s the total price of the system?

Aside from mentioning these questions, it also listed some top library systems. And here are the following:

Product	Server	Notable Features	Price
Alexandria COMPanion (800) 347-6439 www.goalexandria.com	Win 98SE/2000/XP - Macintosh OS 9/X	- Union catalog - Built-in Web server provides browser-based access to collection from home - Separate search screens for different grade levels - Portable scanner for inventory data - SIF Consortium member - Access Web sites in the MARC record - Database of Web sites available	$8,000 with retro conversion
Book Systems Concourse (800) 289-1216 www.booksys.com	Win 95/98/2000	- Schools and districts can purchase various levels of the system - Browser-based access option available - Includes software to import student records from student database - Palm OS handheld scanner for inventory data collection	$10,000 with retro conversion
Follett Software Destiny (800) 323-3397 www.fsc.follett.com	Win 2000/2003	- Centralized collection server with SQL database - Accessible from school and home using any browser - Customizable screen interface - Handheld device for inventory and checkout - Optional precataloged Web links - SIF Consortium member	Contact company for price information
Sagebrush Athena (800) 533-5430 www.sagebrushcorp.com	Win 95/98/NT/2000/XP Novell	- Advanced search screens and visual search screens - Browser-based access option available - Palm OS handheld scanner for inventory collection - 6,000 precataloged Web links available for purchase; optional featue lets librarians add Web sites to the catalog	$9,575 with retro conversion
Sagebrush Winnebago Spectrum (800) 533-5430 www.sagebrushcorp.com	Win NT/2000 Novell Mac	- Union catalog with ILL e-mail form - Browser-based access option available - Minimal server and workstation requirements - Palm OS handheld scanner for inventory - Optional subscription to cataloged Web site	$11,000 with retro conversion

3 things I learned from my Reading Assignment:

Actually, I learned a lot from this article but the most important points that I consider the most in selecting a library system are the following:

· The system must be SIF-compliant. SIF stands for Schools Interoperability Framework, an industry initiative to develop an open specification that allows different types of software to “talk” to each other. This means, that your current student information system, the library automation system and any other legacy system can easily and automatically share and update any information they have in common.

· Database must be built on open standards technologies such as SQL, ColdFusion, or XML so the data from the old system can easily be converted for the new system that has been implemented.

· There should be a manual hand scanner for check-out if system goes offline. If the network or system is down, we want to make sure that your library can still function. A manual scanner should be available to check materials in and out that can easily be connected to the system computer once it’s back up and running. The hand scanner can also be used for in-the-stacks inventory data collection.

Implications of the new things I learned to my work/ to me as a person:

Upon reading this article, it made me wonder if I also ask myself this questions before proposing the library system to be acquired by our library presently. But as I reflect, I’m happy to say that some of the things I consider are mentioned in this article. Knowing the things we should consider in selecting a library system , I become aware of the things that we should consider in acquiring library system. And as I go on with the development of our library system to be used in the school, I will include them or use them as a basis.