The Inter Active Library Processing System (IALPS) was developed by H.C.E. Library Automation Systems to meet the needs of the Hurst Public Library of Texas. As of late 1983, the integrated system had operational acquisitions and fund accounting modules, cataloging using the full MARC format and tape loading capabilities, and circulation control which supported reserves, fines and interbranch transfers utilizing either barcode or OCR technology. Designed to serve the needs of small to medium sized public libraries, the software package was also being installed at sites in Florida and New Mexico. H.C.E.'s plans for 1984 include the refinement of a patron access catalog component and the development of a serials control module. The catalog component includes Boolean and keyword searching. Community information files and an audiovisual materials booking component are planned as longer term enhancements.
The software is programmed in COBOL and all installations utilize identical packages. The system is being installed on NCR 9000 series and IBM System/36 computers. It will also operate on the IBM System/34.
Configured on an NCR computer, the basic software package is priced at $35,000. An additional charge of $10,000 is made for the multibranch capability and the patron access catalog software will cost an additional $5,000. For IBM configurations, the base price of $37,500 includes the multibranch capability; patron access catalog will be an extra $5,000. A software maintenance charge of one percent of the purchase price per annum includes maintenance and the rights to all software modules developed in the future. The company will supply turnkey systems of hardware and software if requested.
[Contact: H.C.E. Library Automated Systems, P.O. Box 18265, Fort Worth, TX 76118. (817) 468—6350.]
