C&I 488: Libraries & Technology Summer, 2009 Library Automation Project: COMPanion’s Alexandria by Leslie McPherson Lanaie Morgan Kyle Parker

Introduction… Alexandria is a cross-platform, web based library automation software created by COMPanion Corporation. The software offers a wide variety of user friendly features and modules developed for use by:  Librarians  Administrators  Staff  Students  Parents

About the Company… COMPanion Corporation was founded by Bill Schjelderup and is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. COMPanion first offered library automation software in The software, Alexandria, has become a leading product in the library automation market. Schejelderup contributes this success to: Quality of the product. Continuous upgrades Response to customer feedback 24 hour tech support that allows customers to speak with REAL people “Real-World” Training provided

Features & Modules Available… Version 6 was just released in June Management Modules:  Budget  Vendors  Orders  Subscriptions  Routes  Cataloging  Circulation  Patron Management Features Include: All-Inclusive Circulation MARC Records Custom Reports Patron Searching Options Supports Accelerated Reader Integrated Big6 Research Model

Testimonials From Users…. “My school piloted Alexandria 8 years ago, and now all our schools (35) are using it. I am very happy with my choice.” “I’ve used Alexandria since 1999 and love it. I’ve visited other sites, but as an elementary librarian, I think Alex is the most kid friendly and also has a very nice interface for older students and adults.” “Our transition was extremely smooth, so I wouldn’t let that be a concern. I’ve been very happy with Alex.” “I have been on several automation systems…Alexandria is by far the best system I’ve used!”

What We Love…. Alexandria provides 24/7 Tech Support for their users. A live person helps users with any questions over the phone via a toll-free number. The Alexandria interface is very user friendly and highly customizable to meet the needs of individual librarians. The search catalog is web-based making it convenient for patrons to access from anywhere they have an Internet connection. Patrons can manage their own accounts and place holds. Reports are easy to create and very customizable. Lexile scores can be imported allowing Alexandria to make recommendations of appropriate reading items to be checked out to individual students.

So What Will All This Cost??!! *Software $ Single License *Slip Printer $ *Barcode Reader $ – $ *Photocomposed Barcodes $60.00 (1000) *Technical Support $ (per year) MINIMUM STARTUP COST FOR SINGLE SCHOOL $ Optional Standard Cataloging Software $ Hr. Web-based Introductory Training $ OUR TOTAL REQUESTED AMOUNT $

Compared to Other Systems… Alexandria is easier to transfer from function to function. You can transfer from check-in, to check-out, to item records, to patron records without quitting other modules. Other automation systems do not allow this convenience. No other automation system company provides the tech support that comes with Alexandria. Questions can be answered by a real live person 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The patron web-based self-management system for renewals, ed notices, and search management is unique to Alexandria. The web interface for patrons is very user friendly and saves so much time for the library media specialist. Alexandria does not force schools to purchase updates as other companies do.

Closing Comments… After much research into the major library automation systems: Follett, Sagebrush, Athena, Caspr, and Alexandria we have found Alexandria to reign supreme above the rest. It offers exactly what school library media specialists want and need to ensure a successful running circulation department. Alexandria’s support and user friendly interfaces for both patrons and library media specialists is top notch. We highly recommend the purchase of Alexandria for this school district and know that it will be the right decision. Thank you for your time.