Library Automation Software By Leslie Dunn ILS

Choosing the most appropriate software for your library: The ease and effectiveness with which you can create a usable and effective database for your users How easy or difficult it is to set up and maintain The hardware that you have available or can purchase to run it The number of simultaneous users you expect to serve

Choosing software continued: The amount and quality of technical support and service upon which you can rely (either in-house or commercial) The overall cost (including any server purchase or upgrade, technical support, the cost of the software, etc.) (Tennant, Roy. “A Database for Every Need” 1999)

Other critical options that should be considered: Reliability (ask around, speak to colleagues in other libraries/schools) How attractive/ awkward the layout is (consider your patrons) Impact on student learning Software weaknesses (Does the software company allow for customer feedback to improve future products?) Vendor relationships Expanded capabilities: e.g. cross-references, bibliographies, reports, etc.

How can cataloging software assist when it comes to finances? Follett Library Services for schools. Can analyze a library’s collections once they have obtained the school’s MARC records. Provides hard data to support reasons for acquiring updated resources and requesting funding for their library. Houston, Texas, Jim Hundemer, manager of library services for the school district was able to use Follett’s data to present a report to his district’s superintendent, who in turn provided him with $2 million to update Houston’s collection. (Minkel, 2001)

Recognized Cataloging Software for School Media Centers TLC (The Library Corporation) – used by the New Haven Public School System Sagebrush – Athena and InfoCentre Book System’s Concourse Project Follett – Destiny *** (most widely used)

Library Automation Costs Software Integrated Library System, Multi-User Unison Circulation Plus/Catalog Plus, Multi-User (Follett Software Company) 4,260 Annual maintenance after 1st year: 480 Spectrum CIRC/CAT (Winnebago Software Company), Standalone 3,490 plus, Multi-User Licensing (up to 5 simultaneous users) 500 or plus, Multi-User Licensing (unlimited users) 995 Annual maintenance after 1st year: 450 Athena (circulation/catalog, Nichols Advanced Technologies), Multi-User 3,995 Annual maintenance after 1st year: 395

Free software? Free (for one seat – each additional seat $50 annually). Lets libraries set up circulation, cataloging, patron management with no software installation.

Beyond the school media center: Library management software: Link to a number of automated library systems: Library automation costs:

In conclusion... Convincing administration to purchase software: Provide hard data that overtime the software will improve student achievement AND SAVE MONEY!!!