Library Technology Guides

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Volume 4 Number 02 (February 1984)

The AdLib turnkey alternative

AdLib is an integrated library system with modules to support acquisitions and financial management, cataloging and authority control, circulation, online catalog, serials control, materials booking and interlibrary loan/electronic mail. The system is built on the Pick operating system and will function on a wide range of hardware including IBM, DEC, Prime, Honeywell, Altos and Pertec. Advanced Library Concepts markets AdLib as a turnkey system. The company is beginning the installation of its first system—at the University of Hawaii.

AdLib supports full MARC records and provides interfaces to the bibliographic utilities for the online transfer of records. The authority control module provides for the global change of headings and the online catalog offers both menu-driven and command structure searches with keyword, truncation and Boolean features. The circulation component will function using either barcode or OCR technology.

The serials control function is still being developed. Operational features included are check-in, gap identification, claiming and routing. Check-in records can be retrieved by title, keywords or ISSN. The system predicts the issue identification for all issues expected to be received for the duration of a subscription allowing receipt of the next expected issue, earlier issues and later issues to be accomplished with minimal keying. Multiple copies of an item can be checked in on a single screen, even if each copy receives different processing treatment. The system will alert the operator to the receipt of more copies than expected and will seek guidance on the dispersal of the extra copies.

Gap identification and claiming functions support the usual range of processes. The routing capability allows prioritization of routes and the priority identification of the routes on which issues of items received in multiple copies are to be sent when less than the full number of copies have been checked in. Routing slips, spine and other labels can be generated at the check-in station.

Other capabilities under development include binding control and the automatic summarization of holdings for publications with a predictable pattern of publication.

In all functions, the system supports detailed verification capabilities and offers the library a wide range of reports.

[Contact: Advanced Library Concepts, Inc., 9343 Tech Center Drive, Suite 175, Sacramento, CA 95826. (916) 364—0340.]

Library automation for NCR and IBM System/34 and /36

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.]

Westchester Library System signs agreement with UTLAS

Westchester Library System (WLS), a system of 38 New York public libraries, recently signed an agreement with UTLAS Inc., in Toronto for comprehensive online cataloging services. This agreement follows a six-month period during which WLS used UTLAS on an experimental basis.

“As a cooperative system, WLS must frequently revisit its catalogue records. A particularly attractive feature of the UTLAS system for us is the ability to access our own catalogue records and update individual member library holdings online,” stated Dr. Maurice (“Mitch”) Freedman, WLS Director. Dr. Freedman also pointed out that UTLAS' authority control system makes it possible for WLS to introduce new subject headings and change outdated ones.

[Contact: UTLAS Inc., 80 Bloor Street West, 2nd Floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 2Vl. (416) 923—0890.]

Automated serial control systems

The editors of LSN have just completed a lengthy survey of available automated serial control systems to be published in the March/April 1984 issue of Library Technology Reports.

Of the 47 bibliographic utilities, serial subscription agencies, automated library system vendors and library software developers surveyed, 20 had systems that were operational at the end of 1983, 12 vendors had plans to provide serial control capabilities during 1984 and another 10 indicated some degree of interest in developing such systems in a less defined timeframe. Currently, there are a wide range of options for the automation of serials management ranging from a $70.00 program for an Apple microcomputer to a turnkey multifunction integrated library system that includes serial control and costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. Also available are service bureaus comprising subscription agencies and bibliographic networks that offer services ala carte. The systems that were found to be operational at the end of 1983 are listed below with very brief descriptions.

BASIS TECHNICAL LIBRARY PACKAGE
Battelle Software Products Center
BASIS Marketing Office
505 King Avenue, Room 11-8-112
Columbus, OH 43201 (614) 424—5524 Software package for mainframe or minicomputer. Part of a multifunction library system or standalone serials system.
Price range: multifunction/mainframe $50,000—$55, 000; multifunction/mini $37,000—$40,000; standalone prices not available.

BIBLIOTECH LIBRARY SOFTWARE SYSTEM
Comstow Information Services
302 Boxboro Road,
Stow, MA 01775 (617) 897—7163
Software package for minicomputer. Limited function serials system or part of a multifunction library system. Price range: limited function serials system, $3,000; multifunction library system, $15,000—$20,000.

BOOK TRAK
Follett Library Book Company
4506 Northwest Highway
Crystal Lake, IL 60014 (800) 435—6170
Software package for Apple II and lIe microcomputers. Magazine Control program.
Price:$156.

CARD DATALOG
DTI Data Trek
121 West E Street,
Encinitas, CA 92024 (619) 436—5055
Turnkey system or software package for microcomputers with MS-DOS or CPM operating systems. Standalone serials system or part of a multifunction library system.
Prices: Turnkey systems $10,000 and up. Serials Control Module, $2,450.

CHECKMATE
CLASS 1415 Koll Circle, Suite 101
San Jose, CA 95112—4698 (408) 289—1756
Capital Systems Group, Inc. 11301 Rockville Pike
Kensington, MD 20895 (301) 881—9400
Gaylord Bros., Inc.
P.O. Box 4901
Syracuse, NY 13221 (800) 448—6160
Software packages for microcomputers.
Prices:$l1500—$3,500.

DOBIS-LEUVEN
IBM
10401 Fernwood Road
Bethesda, MD 20817 (301) 897—2000
Software package for IBM 370 or compatibles. Part of a multifunction integrated library system.
Prices: license fees $52,800 or $64,800 in 24 monthly payments.

EBSCONET SERIALS CONTROL SYSTEM
EBSCO Subscription Services
P.O. Box 1943
Birmingham, AL 35201 (205) 991—6000
Service bureau. Online check-in; system no longer being offered to new customers.

EBSCONET ONLINE SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE
EBSCO Subscription Services
P.O. Box 1943
Birmingham, AL 35201 (205) 991—6000 Service bureau.
Prices: Complex pricing system determined by options chosen, number of titles, telecommunication charges, etc.

INNOVACQ
Innovative Interfaces Inc.
2131 University Avenue, Suite 334
Berkeley, CA 94704 (415) 540—0880
Part of a turnkey acquisitions system that includes serials control. Microprocessor with televideo terminals.
Price:Minimum configuration, $46,500.

LINX
The Faxon Company, Inc.
15 Southwest Park
Westwood, MA 02090 (617) 329-3350
Service bureau offering several options including online access to Faxon files, electronic mail, routing, online check-in, etc.
Prices: Complex pricing structure determined by services chosen, number of titles, telecommunication charges, etc.

MAXWELL LIBRARY SYSTEMS
Maxwell Library Systems
Suite 21, 271 Great Road
Acton, MA 01720 (617) 263—2277
Software package for periodicals control to be used in conjunction with MINIMANAGER database management software package for TRS-80 Model I or II microcomputers.
Price:$70.00 plus $150 for MINIMANAGER.

METAMICRO SERIALS CONTROL SYSTEM
MetaMicro Library Systems, Inc.
311 West Laurel, Suite 211
San Antonio, TX 78212 (512) 224—8455
Turnkey system or software package for Southwest Technical Products Corp. S+ microcomputer.
Prices:Turnkey system, $22,500 and up; software package, $6,000.

NOTIS
Northwestern University Library
1935 Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60201 (312) 492—7004
Software package for IBM 4300 or compatibles. Part of a multifunction integrated library system. Price: $50,000.

OCLC SERIALS CONTROL SUBSYSTEM
OCLC Subsystem Support and Training Section
6565 Frantz Road
Dublin, OH 43017 (614) 764—6000
Network service bureau offering various services.
Prices: Cost structure complex and varies according to local network practices.

PERLINE
Blackwell Library Systems, Inc.
310 East Shore Road
Great Neck, NY 11023
(516) 466—5418 or (800) 645—5395
Turnkey systems or software packages for DEC computers with MUMPS operating systems. Standalone or integrated with Bookline monograph acquisitions system. Four configurations offered, 1,000 to 50,000 titles.
Prices: Turnkey systems, $28,125-$93,750; software packages, $18,750— $50,000.

PHILSOM
PHILSOM Network
Washington University
School of Medicine Library
660 South Euclid Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110 (314) 362—2788
Network service bureau or software package available for replication. Several different versions of the software are in use.
Prices:Complex pricing structure for network users. Software for replication by arrangement.

PROFESSIONAL SOFTWARE SERIAL CONTROL SYSTEM
Professional Software
21 Forest Avenue, Glen Ridge NJ 07028
(201) 748—7658
Software package for TRS-80 Model I
Price: $3,500 (includes cost of keying 300 records).

SEDNA INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Sedna Corporation
970 Raymond Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55114 (612) 647—1101
Software package for DEC PDP 11 series of minis. Part of a multifunction integrated library system or a standalone limited function system.
Price: Pricing varies according to modules selected and amount of applications development required.

UCLA LIBRARY TECHNICAL PROCESSING SYSTEM
University of California Library
Los Angeles, CA 90024
In-house software for integrated multifunction system. Mainframe based. Not generally available for replication.

UNICORN
Sirsi Corporation
8106-B Memorial Parkway
Huntsville, AL 35802 (205) 881—2140
Integrated, multifunction turnkey system. Also available as limited function serial system.
Price: depends on system size and features.

VIRGINIA TECH LIBRARY SYSTEM
Center for Library Automation
416 Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061 (703) 961—5847
Software package for Hewlett-Packard 3000 computer. Part of an integrated multifunction library system.
Price: $60,000.

MARC Format Guide for Serials

Following the success of its MARC Format Reference Card: Books (See LSN Vol. III, No. 9), Library Systems & Services Inc. has prepared a similar guide to the tags, indicators and subfield codes used in the MARC and OCLC serial formats. Copies of the card are available for $3.50.

[Contact: Library Systems & Services, Inc., 1395 Piccard Drive, Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850. (301) 258—0200.]

Large centralized vs. distributed systems

A library or consortium with many widely dispersed agencies has the option of installing a single automated system to serve all of its locations, or installing two or more regional systems and linking them with dial-up or leased telecommunications lines. In deciding between centralized and distributed systems, a library or consortium is making more than a technological decision of interest only to systems designers and programmers. The choice between two alternative system configurations will have two major impacts on administrators and users: cost, and query methodology. Normally a centralized system will cost more to operate due to high telecommunications costs, but will provide single—query access to system-wide data. On the other hand, a distributed system, while reducing telecommunications costs, may require two or more steps to gain access to all the resources. The assumption underlying distributed systems is that most of the needs can be met within a region.

Under the centralized approach, one or more CPUs are located at a single site and library holdings and patron information are maintained in a single large data base. All agencies are linked to the central site via telecommunications lines which may be concentrated for economy.

Among the advantages of a centralized system are:

• a single query will provide access to all bibliographic or patron information, regardless of where the material is housed or where the patron was registered;
• only a single copy of each bibliographic record is maintained online; no costs are incurred to store multiple redundant data at two or more locations;
• only one computer room needs to be built, staffed, and maintained;
• only one software license fee, or fewer fees (if the vendor bills on a per-processor basis) is required; and
• the approach reinforces the view of library or consortium resOurces as a single collection, rather than as a series of separate collections.

There are, however, disadvantages to the centralized approach:

• increased telecommunications costs are incurred because lines are billed by the mile, and must link each location to the central site;
• a very large data base supported with multiple processors is a complex technical environment, more difficult to manage and maintain than several dispersed processors;
• there is diminished overall system reliability because a failure— such as loss of power—at the central site can disable the entire computer system;
• increased CPU costs result from the systems sophistication required to meet the overhead incurred in linking CPUs at the central site;
• increased software costs result from the need to provide multiprocessor linkages; and
• increased maintenance charges are incurred due to the increase in telecommunications equipment.

Under the distributed approach, CPUs are located in two or more geographically dispersed locations. Each processor would support disk drives which store records of bibliographic items located in the region and records of patrons registered in that region. Telecommunications lines would span from each agency to the nearest regional center, and single lines would link the centers for inquiries from one region to another.

Among the advantages of a distributed system are:

• telecommunications costs are reduced because circuits are shorter;
• increased system reliability is achieved because failure at a single site would disable only a portion of the total system;
• increased system reliability results from the use of smaller CPUs in a less complex processing environment; and
• reduced ongoing telecommunications equipment maintenance charges are incurred.

The disadvantages associated with the distributed approach include:

• two or more steps (depending upon the hierarchy selected) may be involved in an inquiry for non—local data;
• increased ongoing maintenance fees are incurred because of the increased disk requirements;
• one—time site preparation costs (electrical, air conditioning, basic construction) and software license fees are increased due to multiple system locations;
• more staff are required to perform preventive maintenance and to operate multiple sites; and
• the decision creates a somewhat fragmented system.

These strengths and weaknesses have to be carefully considered before final decisions are made. When the field of potential systems has been narrowed, it is possible to portray the relative cost figures with more precision, based on the prices of the systems then under consideration. While normally cost calculations are made on total five year cost, it is also common to put greater emphasis on comparative operating costs because they compete directly with ongoing personnel and acquisitions needs.

The more critical issue is that of service to users. Are they well served by providing easy access to the resources of a region and requiring a second step to ascertain resources outside the region? Presumably, were the bibliographic resources of the regions quite similar the answer would be different than were they to be quite different and complementary. A careful analysis would, therefore, include not only technical and economic analyses, but also an examination of the collections and user needs.

Brodart offers an integrated library system

At the Midwinter meeting of the American Library Association, Brodart, Inc., demonstrated its integrated approach to library automation.

The company offers a series of services on remote computing facilities based on an IBM installation in San Diego. The system is accessed by libraries using IBM terminals or telex-type terminals. Brodart presents the advantages of its approach to library automation as including the fact that a library has to make no hardware commitment, and it can undertake phased implementation— “trying” a function before signing up for its use. The combination of services offered has resulted in Brodart being recognized as a bibliographic utility in California for the purposes of library fund expenditure.

The system currently offers data base development and maintenance capabilities, cataloging support, and an online patron access catalog. Circulation control is planned, as is a link to the company's OLAS acquisitions system which is being substantially modified and upgraded. The OLAS linkage is scheduled for late 1984, and circulation is scheduled to be installed in the Anaheim Public Library in April 1984. This function is expected to be demonstrated at ALA Annual Conference in Dallas.

Records can be retrieved using control numbers such as Brodart number, LC card number or ISBN, or by author, title and subject searches. Terms used in cross—field searches of data from the author, title and subject areas are automatically ANDed by the system. Keyword access is available to any field that a library chooses to have indexed.

The source files for the system include the MARC tapes for books and audiovisual materials. Access to relevant Brodart customer files can also be arranged. The company is of the opinion that, for public libraries, its system offers a hit rate equal to that achieved on the OCLC data base. Records are mounted in full MARC format.

Libraries are offered a wide range of choices in the options they can select for the construction of their individual data bases and the formats for screen displays. They can also choose their own parameters for indexing the records and thus the selection of searchable access points.

Online authority files are supported using the data in the LC name and subject authorities. Authority control can be implemented in batch or online modes. The system does offer the capability for the online global changes of authority terms in bibliographic records, but the company attempts to restrict the use of this feature because of its potential impact on system performance. Batch processing of global authority changes is recommended.

In the cataloging support function a library searches the system data bases to retrieve relevant records which are edited on the user's screen. The system will produce catalog cards and COM catalogs as well as a machine-readable catalog of the library's records. The library's file of records is accessed for the patron access catalog functions.

Online circulation capabilities will utilize barcode technology. Overdue notices will be produced in batch mode and mailed from the Brodart facility. Some report writing functions will also be performed in batch mode.

The charges involved in using Brodart's integrated approach to library automation include:

telecommunications: these are estimated at between $1,000 and $1,500 per month. Generally, they are expected to be unaffected by the number of terminals a library has linked to the system. equipment: may be purchased or leased. The purchase price for a Telex 479 B terminal was cited as $2,500 with modem rental of $150 per month.

storage: it is estimated that the cost of storing a data base of 200,000 full MARC records will be approximately $800 per month. other: a miscellany of lesser charges will be levied for services, e.g., access to the full MARC data base is $25 per month.

The system carries no processing or transaction charges.

There are currently two libraries using the system in fully online mode. Another four are scheduled to begin once the circulation function becomes available.

[Contact: Brodart, Inc., 10983 Via Frontera, San Diego, CA 92127. (619) 451—0250.]

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