SAN JOSE, CA, Winter, 1999 -- CASPR Library Systems, Inc., is bringing school libraries into the wired-world with its new product, LibraryCom, the first complete Internet library web hosting and directory system. For less than four-hundred dollars a year, school libraries can have their complete library catalog on the LibraryCom web site with complete keyword, author, title and subject searching. A web directory provides access to any number of selected libraries on the system including the Library of Congress.
"This is the Internet at its best," said Norman Kline, President and CEO of CASPR. "LibraryCom is all about discovery and exploration in a safe, kid-friendly environment. Imagine students searching libraries the world over, and then being able to go to the local library to check out what they find. Imagine an executive on the road with easy access to his firm's global information resources. There has never been a library search site this easy to find or this easy to use. It's also a huge time-saver for library professionals pressed for resources, " continued Kline.
Removes technology barriers, reduces cost for school libraries
In the past, libraries that wanted to be online had to host their own web site with network file servers, complex hardware and software and a host of technically challenging support issues. Getting online with LibraryCom is as simple as exporting their existing catalog file and sending it via e-mail to the LibraryCom webmaster. In less than one day the whole catalog is accessible through any web browser, from anywhere in the world. LibraryCom does the file conversion, the web hosting and provides the Internet software and access.
LibraryCom's Web Directory provides powerful search features to locate thousands of libraries on the Internet. Only libraries or library-related Web sites are indexed and placed in the directory. Libraries can be browsed by city, state, or type of library -- even by a specific Internet domain such as a school district or business.
No other Internet service provides such a comprehensive search ability of the world's online library Web sites. LibraryCom's directory and search engine is located at www.librarycom.com, and is always free to browse.
Surf the entire Library of Congress
Over 4 million entries of the Library of Congress are also searchable at the LibraryCom web site. In addition to searching, LibraryCom members can use this valuable resource to save time and money in completing their own catalogs. Library of Congress catalog records can downloaded in standard MARC format into the member's catalog. This saves countless hours of tedious coding required when new books are added to the member's home library. The MARC standard is supported by CASPR's library automation software and most third party systems.
Availability and price
LibraryCom is available for access by the general public on February 1, 1999. The service is priced according to the size of the library and whether password security is required. An average school or business library can be hosted for about $365 dollars a year. CASPR offers a 30-day trial period during which the service can be cancelled at no cost. Larger public or college libraries are priced higher.
About CASPR
CASPR is a leading supplier of library automation software and services for over 10,000 school, business, college and public libraries. Located in San Jose, California, CASPR began by developing the first integrated library system for Macintosh computers in 1986. Later, in 1992, CASPR was the first to create a fully cross-platform system for both Macintosh and Windows computers. Today, its LibraryWorld desktop solutions represent the cutting edge in library automation for thousands of library centers. CASPR's LibraryNet Web program allows libraries to easily publish their own library collection using their own Web Servers. These sites are automatically connected to the LibraryCom directory service.
For additional Question and answers click here: LibraryCom FAQ.