The Follett Library Book Company is distributing a set of programs for library management developed by Richmond Micro Software for use on the Apple microcomputer. Now being used by over 100 college, school and public libraries throughout the world, the set of five programs-for online circulation; ordering; catalog card and label production; cataloging; and magazine control- was designed as a single system, but each module is also available separately.
The circulation system uses a light pen to read bar coded book labels and patron cards. It prints overdue lists and blocks borrowing by any patron with an overdue item. The designers claim that the system will handle up to 65,000 items, 2,650 student borrowers each with 15 items, 200 teachers with up to 125 titles each, 100 holds and an unlimited reserve collection. Loan periods may range from one day to a year. The circulation software costs $625 and a light pen may be purchased for $200.
Ordering software costs $156 and will generate printed order forms. The record created during ordering is later updated with classification and subject headings and transferred to the permanent "catalog" diskette. The cataloging system ($156) stores the records for items in the collection in Dewey order and generates listings in this order. The catalog card and label module ($125) uses information from the catalog to print cards and labels. The magazine control system costs $156. It lists titles, holdings, and missing issues, as well as printing claims for missing issues.
The total system software costs $1125. Substantial discounts are available on purchases before 1 April 1983. Richmond Micro Software plans to issue updates and will allow purchasers to trade-up to the new software for a minimal charge.
[Contact: Follett Library Book Company, 4506 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake, IL 60014, (800) 435-6170.]
